In 2023, I initiated an American chestnut restoration project utilizing 100% pure American chestnuts provided by the American Chestnut Cooperators Foundation at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. This planting started small with only 20 pure American chestnuts, but after overwhelming support through media on the project we were able to grow this planting to over 200 trees, with an additional 300+ proposed for 2025. ACCF has always been a small organization, but after a great ongoing partnership with them we have been able to tell their 50-year-old story of chestnut breeding success and bring them the attention they deserve. This project has really launched my career into the world of chestnuts and chestnut restoration allowing me to meet individuals all over the area focusing on chestnuts, as well as given me an opportunity to present frequently on the topic. This project has been featured in multiple different media sources, from NEBG’s own blog to the American Public Garden’s Association’s “Public Garden” magazine (Volume 40. Issue 1) and even the New York Times. You can read more about this restoration project here American Chestnut Restoration Project - New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill