Overview
The American chestnut was once common and widespread throughout the eastern United States. However, in the early 20th century a foreign, fungal pathogen was introduced and the once widespread species was decimated throughout its range. Efforts are underway to introduce disease-resistant individuals as well identify naturally resistant specimens. These efforts are being lead by the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF).

Background
In 2008, scientists and volunteers from the American Chestnut Foundation and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) began training volunteers to collect data on American chestnut trees identified along the Appalachian Trail. Two types of data will be collected: (1) total number of American chestnut trees three feet in height or taller within fifteen feet on either side of the trail and (2) location and description of large individual trees thirteen inches or greater in circumference at 4.5 feet above ground. The data will contribute to understanding the status of surviving remnants of a species that played a key role in forests throughout Appalachia before the blight fungus, was imported from Asia with Asian chestnut trees.

Data on large individual trees with the potential to produce flowers will assist TACF in increasing the genetic diversity of its backcross breeding program, which is intended to restore the American chestnut tree to its former place in the region's forests by producing an otherwise American chestnut with the blight resistant characteristics of Asian chestnut.

Links
American Chestnut Foundation
USDA Plants Database Record for American chestnut (Castanea dentata)