Watch: Restoring an American icon

The American chestnut was once a common and abundant tree species that occupied 200 million acres in the eastern hardwood forests of North America and provided wildlife with food and habitat sources. Two nonnative pathogens led to the chestnut’s extirpation in the 20th century, but efforts are underway to conserve and restore this iconic tree.

Watch a video on the iconic trees below. An online course through the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station, An Introduction to the American Chestnut, explores the tree’s biology and the factors that led to its demise. The course qualifies for one continuing education credit from TWS.