We are enthusiastic to partner with the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission and other local organizations to endeavor to bring American chestnuts back to central New Jersey. Between 1900 and 1940, American chestnut populations were largely wiped out by the introduction of chestnut blight, a disease originating from Asian chestnuts where it is common but far less devastating. The blight on American chestnuts effects the plant above ground, reducing them to roots and sprouts as opposed to the gigantic ecosystem dominators and constructors that they used to be. With this context of the dramatic absence of such an iconic species, it is incredibly exciting to be a part of a major concerted effort to restore American chestnuts to a more historic state.
In conjunction with Hopewell Township, 170 nuts were selected from resistant, wild, native parent trees to be planted on the Fiddlers Creek Preserve. They were planted in protective tubes and surrounded with deer exclosure fencing to maximize their success. About 40 percent of the nuts have survived to germination, giving a large number of trees the opportunity to reach maturity. This project was conducted with the inspiration and guidance of Mike Aucott of the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission.
There is further hope for the future of American chestnuts in genetic modification and cross-breeding with the Asian species that are naturally more resistant to the blight. Inevitably, for American chestnuts to have any real chance of returning to their original functionality and stature in ecosystems, populations need to be self-sustaining and resilient against chestnut blight. Preliminary projects, like this one we have created, to try and reintegrate native chestnuts back into the ecosystem are an important first step to safely re-establish native chestnut populations.
In addition, FOHVOS worked with Mike Aucott and HVRSD Superintendent Tom Smith, to introduce American chestnuts into school district properties.
We are expanding American Chestnut proliferation each year in both our preserves and the schools.
Hopewell Township Environmental Comission
- Hopewell Valley Neighbors – Community Conservation: Local American Chestnut Restoration Offers Promise
- FoHVOS guest blog post by Board Trustee Tom Ogren
- NJCF column discussing the Chestnut project
- The American Chestnut Foundation recognizes HVRSD school effort