A hundred years ago, the American Chestnut was the dominant tree on many low to mid-elevation slopes and ridges in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Then during the first half of the twentieth century the Chestnut Blight, caused by an introduced fungus, killed virtually every mature Chestnut tree in Eastern North America. But the American Chestnut is not gone. We will hike a short section of the Mountains to Sea Trail through a forest formerly dominated by American Chestnut, stopping to examine some of these Chestnut sprouts while discussing the history and biology of the Chestnut Blight disease, assessing the current status of the American Chestnut in the forest ecosystem, and speculating on the possible return of this remarkable native tree to our Southern Appalachian forests.
FIELD | Monday, October 24, 1 – 4 p.m.
This field-based class is one of three meetings with a remarkable tree planned for our annual Tree Trek!
Pre-registration required for participation in an Adult Education class.
Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.