Winter Wildlife Webinar Series Part 3: The American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project
Did you know… that the American Chestnut, also known as the “Redwoods of the East,” was formerly one of the most numerous trees found along the Appalachian corridor? Prior to the 10th century, nearly 1-in-4 trees in the region were chestnut trees, and their nut production was impactful enough on local wildlife that it was considered a keystone species. Today, following the accidental introduction of a fungal blight in the early 1900s, the species is so rare it’s considered functionally-extinct. There is hope, however! Thanks to decades of research and various partnerships among scientific and academic institutions, the American Chestnut Research & Restoration Program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), a new type of American chestnut tree may be very close to being re-introduced back into its native forests.
Speaker
A native of Upstate New York, David Matthews has been working with the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project at SUNY ESF for nine years. With a Masters degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology, Matthews serves as a Molecular Biology Lab Manager for the project. His current work includes testing new crosses done during the pollination season.
Time and Date
Wednesday, March 12 at 6PM
How to Register
Registration is required and available at tinyurl.com/tughillchestnut. A Zoom link will be sent along with your registration confirmation email. We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity, and the attached flyer, with your network!
The Webinar Recordings for last year’s four-part winter wildlife webinar series are available at https://tughill.org/services/training/