Help us care for newly planted chestnut seeds at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) on Sunday 28 April from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The work will involve carrying water along the orchard's rows, pouring some at each tree.
Earlier this month, we planted these nuts as part of a multi-state program that selected parent trees best able to resist the blight that has wiped out nearly all wild American chestnuts. We hope to learn how well these seedlings fare when both parents are among our best prospects. This work is at the exciting frontier of the American Chestnut Foundation's hybridization program that aims to restore a native tree to our region's environment.
You may want to bring your own drinking water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen. The WMREC orchard is at 18330 Keedysville Rd, Keedysville, MD 21756. Inside the Center, turn right at the first intersection. After passing through a deer fence gate, the orchard site will be on your far right, beyond several plots with other research plantings. Carefully follow other car tracks in the grass.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.
