You are here

Home » American Chestnut Trees, Hopefully Resistant To Blight, Will Be Planted At Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

American Chestnut Trees, Hopefully Resistant To Blight, Will Be Planted At Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Share

Published Date

May 13, 2014

Can the American chestnut tree eventually recover from the devastating blight that has plagued it for decades? We could find out from a planting next weekend at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky, where staff will plant 20 potentially blight-resistant American chestnut trees at the national park's picnic area.

This free event is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. The park's picnic pavilion will be closed from public use from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day due to this special event.

The blight-resistant trees, known as Restoration Chestnuts 1.0, are the products of The American Chestnut Foundation's national breeding program that bred native American chestnuts with blight-resistant Chinese chestnuts. Progeny from the breeding is then selected after several years for individual blight resistance and American chestnut characteristics. At one time, the American chestnut was the dominant tree in forests from Maine through Georgia and west to the Ohio Valley. But billions of trees were destroyed as the result of a blight that was introduced into the United States in the early 1900s and TACF is hoping to bring the tree back to its former glory.

"Families in rural America, including the Lincoln family, once depended heavily upon the American chestnut for both food and shelter. The trees grew straight and tall and were rot-resistant, making the wood desirable for construction. The small nuts were sweet and fed entire families, as well as livestock and many species of wildlife," said Park Superintendent Bill Justice.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer for the event and plant trees is welcome to attend. Please let the park know of your intention to volunteer that day by calling the park's visitor center at 270-358-3137.

This project is a joint venture made possible by the Kentucky Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation and the National Park Service.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.