The people who work and volunteer for this organization are some of the most dedicated I have ever met. I am proud to be a member, and to be able to contribute something towards the restoration of an American icon. I am a forester by profession, so I have a very good understanding of the importance of the work that PA-TACF is doing to restore the American Chestnut to the forests of the eastern U.S.
An amazing organization with a tremendous volunteer foundation. Perhaps one of the most important scientific endeavors in all of natural resources.
Began our volunteering by pollenating and collecting nuts as part of the backcross breeding program. Presented programs to woodland owners, watershed groups, OSM/ARRI, college forestry students,Kiwanis, Rotary and other community groups. Have planted and are nurturing 1000 trees in the TACF breeding program. Have found the organization to be challenging and rewarding in our lives. Has expended our circle of stimulating friends, who have active interest in improving our ecosystem.
We recently spoke about PATACF at the Montgomery School as part of their Earth Day celebration. PATACF supplied all the presentation needs including a neat DVD. Beginning in 2004, PATACF has provided seeds, seedlings, and advice to us for planting and caring for Chestnut trees on the Westtown School campus. Now we are excited to see how some of the new Restoration Chestnut trees will do here.
I look forward to working with the staff and other volunteers every year at the Pa. State Farm Show. They are all totally dedicated to restoring the once predominant tree of the appalachians back to it's former glory. They are also the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. In addition to all the economic and aesthetic reasons for restoring this great tree, being a very fast growing tree, it processes more than its share of CO2 gas, thus reducing our carbon footprint more than most trees. Please recognize the dedication and resolve of this great organization in striving to defeat the chestnut blight fungus which has nearly driven one of our noblest trees to extinction. They will welcome anyone who is willing to help their cause in any way. Come join the fight and know that our children and grandchildren, to say nothing of future generations of wildlife, will reap the benefits of your efforts.
I have been involved with the organization for over 2 years. The staff and volunteers are an eclectic group of folks who are passionate about bringing the American Chestnut tree back from the brink of extinction. Volunteers can do so much to help this effort; and youo get back so much more than you give. Few non-profits can say that a volunteer's efforts will last for hundreds of years, but it is certainly true of this organization. If existing efforts are successful, the legacy will be trees that live and reproduce long past our lifetimes. It will be good for the environment, wildlife, and humanity.
The loss of the American Chestnut from its native range (centered on the Appalachians) has been called one of the greatest ecological disasters to hit North America since the Ice Age. If you want to get involved with an eco-organization with enthusiastic volunteers, one that promises to make a positive ecological impact far beyond the trees themselves, and whose support is completely non-governmental, this is your organization.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, and its parent organiztion, The American Chestnut Foundation, is primarily run by very dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers. The scientists and regional coordinators who work with this organization, both on a national and state level, make sure that all work is done professionally and SCIENTIFICALLY. The wonderful American chestnut tree species will DEFINITLY be returned to our nation's eastern forests thanks to this/these super, top-notch organization(s)!
A wonderful organization run primarily by some of the most dedicated and fascinating volunteers one will ever meet. It can be difficult to promote a species without fur, that doesn't move, and can't "put on a show". Still, the charismatic story of the chestnut provides an excellent opportunity to introduce other issue of sustainable forestry and other practices. Generally, as long as a one-on-one personal contact can be made w/ prospective volunteers and members, they quickly become a member of a much larger family interested in several other greater sustainability concerns.
Did you know the PA Chapter of the American Chestnut foundation reported more than 7,695 volunteer hours during 2009? That's alot of people and time dedicated to restoring the American chestnut to the forests. Many of the chapter's members have been with the organization since the early 90s, quietly planting trees, so future generations can enjoy this magnificent species! Check out their website at www.patacf.org for more information.