Traveling through the hills of West Virginia, you can witness the state’s vast forests. Approximately 78% of West Virginia is forested, leading to a variety of climates and native trees. One notable species that once dominated the Eastern Coast’s forests is the American Chestnut, which constituted about 50% of all hardwood species in the region. The American Chestnut was widely used for various purposes, including lumber and edible nuts, which provided food for both animals and people. Unfortunately, in the early 1900s, a pathogenic fungus began to decimate the American Chestnut population, killing an estimated three to four billion trees.
Despite these significant losses, efforts are underway to restore the American Chestnut through breeding programs focused on developing blight-resistant trees headed by the American Chestnut Foundation. One of the most promising hybrids is the Dunstan Chestnut, which is a cross between the American Chestnut and the Chinese Chestnut.
Created by Dr. Robert T. Dunstan in the early 1950s, the Dunstan Chestnut is available for public purchase through Chestnut Hill Nursery. The Tygarts Valley Conservation District emphasizes the importance of planting both American and Dunstan Chestnut trees within the state to help restore the native ranges of the American Chestnut. If you have any questions regarding the Dunstan Chestnut or the American Chestnut, please reach out to the Tygarts Valley Conservation District.
