panjtacf.org

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation works to restore the American chestnut to its native range in the woodlands of eastern North America. Through research, education, and community involvement, the chapter supports efforts to develop blight-resistant trees and rebuild locally adapted chestnut populations in mid-Atlantic forests. Its breeding work uses recurrent genomic selection, building on earlier backcross methods.

The chapter shares the story of a once-dominant tree that supported wildlife, rural economies, and the timber industry before chestnut blight devastated its populations. It encourages people to report tree sightings, use its tree locator, and plant seedlings while researchers continue restoration work. Available resources include educational articles and factsheets, a chestnut sightings database, a USDA introductory course, archived webinars, and the Clear Day Thunder documentary. The chapter also hosts Chestnut Chat, a live webinar series featuring learning and discussion about chestnut restoration. Visitors can explore events, connect with partners, subscribe to updates, and support the mission through membership and the online store.