Annual Nut Seeding Program in Simcoe

Canadian Chestnut Council

Request for Volunteers

The American Chestnut tree has faced extinction since the introduction of the “Chestnut blight” to North America in the early 1900’s. Today, few American Chestnut Trees remain in the wild.

The Canadian Chestnut Council has dedicated itself to restoring the tree to its historical range in Canada. To this end, the Council has undertaken a cross- breeding program to develop a blight resistant tree.

Each fall, under the direction of lead researcher Dragan Galic, nuts from our Chestnut tree plantations are collected and then seeded the following spring for planting later in the year. This seeding activity is an important step in developing a blight resistant American Chestnut Tree.

This year seeding of Chestnuts will take place at the Agriculture Research station near Simcoe, Ontario. The Chestnut Council is looking for volunteers to assist in our program. If you would like to assist in our program and learn more about the breeding program, please consider helping with this important restoration project.

Dates: February 20, 21, and 22 (2023)

Time: 9:00am to approx. 3:00pm (bring your own lunch)

Location: University of Guelph’s Simcoe Research Station

1283 Blueline Road, SIMCOE ONTARIO N3Y 4K3

If you can help, please contact Dragan Galic

Email: dgalic@uoguelph.ca