Chestnut Resurrection

Quercus Alba, White Oak (Matson’s Woods) – Photo: L. Weikel

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend some quality time, in solitude, on the banks (and actually in the midst) of my beloved Tohickon Creek.

During those several days, I took a deep dive into the novel The Overstory, by Richard Powers. And oh my goodness, did I revel not only in the solitude but also in the actual story of The Overstory, which had as the centering thread woven throughout the lives of all of its characters: TREES.

The first character to whom we’re introduced in the book is connected to and influenced by the American Chestnut. And while I’m sure I’d heard about the blight that decimated this tree in the early 1900’s, I did not fully comprehend the devastation until I read this book.

Another bit of character development in The Overstory has to do with old growth forests.

An Invitation

Thus, when I received, on one of the very days I was immersing myself in reading The Overstory, an email advertising a local program focusing upon a small patch of old growth forest right here in neighboring Northampton County, I jumped on it. (It seemed like a pretty fascinating coincidence of awareness and timing.)

Today was that program and dedication.

Matson’s Woods

Briefly, I learned that there is a small wooded area known as Matson’s Woods in Northampton County, in the Louise Moore Park, which is part of the Northampton County Park System. Due to the age of the trees found on this relatively small tract of land, it has been nominated for registry in the Old-Growth Forest Network.

When we walked the trail this morning, even though I believe the ‘woods’ comprise only approximately 7 acres or so, and there is development surrounding much of the Louise Moore Park, there nevertheless was a profoundly noticeable shift in energy when we walked amongst these grandmother and grandfather beings, the eldest and tallest being Quercus Alba or White Oak.

Do you see the face? – White Oak – Photo: L. Weikel

Most noticeably, a deep sense of quiet emanated from the forest floor. This sense was remarkable and unmistakable, and I noticed that the entire group immediately lowered their voices to a whisper. Without even realizing it consciously, we all acted as if we’d entered a cathedral.

Chestnut Resurrection

While I reveled in the opportunity to walk in the presence of these elder statesmen, I have to admit, I was very excited to hear about the apparent breakthrough in reclaiming the American Chestnut.

Before entering Matson’s Woods, we approached a hillock upon which six wire cages containing leafy green seedlings were arranged roughly in a circle. It was explained to us that research had yielded what forest scientists are hoping will permit a resurrection, in a sense, of the American Chestnut.

It’s been discovered that a single gene associated with wheat (I don’t know the specifics), if introduced to the genome of the American Chestnut, yields offspring that are resistant to the blight that decimated billions of these trees in the last century.

I believe it is the intention of the arborists in charge of this project to plant an American Chestnut that has received one of these blight resistant genes in the center of the circle of seedlings. When they mate, chestnuts produced should result in seedlings that are resistant to the blight.

I’m including at the end of this post a photo of the flyer that gives an email address for Allen Nichols (fajknichols.75@gmail.com) should you wish to request nuts and/or seedlings in order to plant a grove of chestnut trees on your property.

Trees Are Integral to the Health of Our Planet

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate the dedication of Matson’s Woods into the Old Growth Forest Network and to learn about the hope associated with a blight resistant American Chestnut.

We’re definitely hoping to plant some new seedlings!