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American Chestnut Trees Make Comeback After 75 Years

7/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Once flourishing in the Appalachian Mountains, American chestnut trees faced devastation from an invasive blight, leading to their near extinction by 1950. After 75 years of dedicated crossbreeding efforts by the American Chestnut Foundation, resilient hybrids are now thriving in Virginia and beyond, inviting the public to forage for nuts and reconnect with a once-vibrant ecosystem.

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Story summary

Once flourishing in the Appalachian Mountains, American chestnut trees faced devastation from an invasive blight, leading to their near extinction by 1950. After 75 years of dedicated crossbreeding efforts by the American Chestnut Foundation, resilient hybrids are now thriving in Virginia and beyond, inviting the public to forage for nuts and reconnect with a once-vibrant ecosystem.