Chestnut Collection
The American Chestnut, a truly iconic tree, made up as much as 25 per cent of the Northeastern forest until the species was decimated by a blight beginning in 1904. Once prized for light but durable wood and tasty nuts, the chestnut is now found only occasionally as a sprout where a once mightier tree grew. In the early 1990s and in association with the Maine Forest Service and the Maine Chapter, American Chestnut Society, the Arboretum set out some 80 trees representing native Maine chestnuts from all over the state. The trees were to serve two purposes; to produce pure chestnut seeds for cross -pollinating with Japanese strains insearch of a more blight-resistant tree, and to furnish a gene pool of pure chestnuts for back-crossing and other experiments associated with blight management or even elimination. Now in 2010, the Arboretum is reviving its chestnut program. New trees grown from the seeds of the heartiest of the original plantings will ultimately be added to the plantation. Public program s will be offered when the trees are cross-pollintated and when seeds are collected.
Volunteers are needed to help maintain and care for this special collection. Call or write the Arboretum if you are interested in helping out.
