As a keystone species and mast-producing canopy tree, the loss of the American chestnut from the Eastern US was an ecological and economic disaster for the region more than a hundred years ago. This native species, once classified as functionally extinct, is now poised to make a comeback thanks to modern technology and ground-breaking research.
The American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project will share their inspiring success story, and elaborate on how genetic engineering can benefit the fields of conservation and restoration.

Dr. Allison Oakes is currently a postdoctoral research associate and maintains the production of micropropagated American chestnut shoots of over one hundred transgenic event lines, eight wild-type lines, and six hybrid lines. She is currently investigating the effect of different growth regulator concentrations on shoot development, and is continuing her dissertation research focus on improving rooting and acclimatization of American chestnut shoots.

Dr. Oakes received her doctorate at The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse and continues to work there.

Don’t forget that our annual May Plant Sale will take place during this meeting! Be sure to stop by so you can pick up some plants for your garden!