ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE LEARNS ABOUT THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT ​Evergreen Conservancy’s largest presentation audience in years listed to Mike Tyree explains the blight that affected the American Chestnut and the challenges to restore it. ​The American Chestnut was the dominant tree in eastern forests as we entered the 20th Century. But then a tree brought in for ornamental purposes contained something that our American Chestnut could not withstand – alight. By midcentury the huge American Chestnut forests were wiped out. This had devastating effects to local economies and people and wild animals depending on the trees for food. ​Dr. Tyree went on to detail the difficulties in bringing back the chestnut trees. The blight is still around. IUP is actively involved in American Chestnut planting at the Flight 93 complex. It’s hard to weigh the success of the project because of how long it takes a tree to mature. Deer are the trees worst enemies. ​His presentation was followed with a very active question and action session. (fb)

Friends of the Parks Native Plant Sale is ongoing! Order online now🌱 (fb)