Chestnuts roasting on an open fire may be a joyful holiday image, but the American chestnut tree was essentially wiped out in the 20th century by an invasive fungus. Now, a project to breed a blight-resistant chestnut is underway, and the public can learn all about it at American Chestnut Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the NC Arboretum.
The event includes hands-on activities, presentations, a seedling sale and documentary screening at noon of the award-winning “Clear Day Thunder, Rescuing the American Chestnut,”
The film by the Asheville-based American Chestnut Foundation explains how sprouts from existing root systems are being used to breed blight-resistant varieties. A Q&A session with the Foundation’s lead scientists will follow…