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GA-TACF
members planted several American Chestnut trees on the property of
Joe & Simone Kilpatrick, at
The Blueberry Farm in Walker County near
Lafayette. The trees were among the first of many to be planted at
the site. The location was chosen because of its proximity to a
historically known chestnut habitat. In fact, the nearby community is
still known today as Chestnut Flat, which according to Walker County
historian James Sartain, was so-called "because of the abundance of
chestnuts that grew in that beautiful valley and on the adjacent
ridge when the early settlers arrived."
"I believe that The Blueberry
Farm represents one of our best hopes for a permanent chestnut
orchard in northwest Georgia," stated Dr. Donald Davis, acting
president of the Georgia chapter and local author. "The soil here
appears ideal for the rapidly growing trees, as chestnuts, like
blueberries, prefer a more acid and loamy soil." Davis's book Where
There Are Mountains chronicles the importance of chestnuts in the
Appalachian region, including the devastating effects the blight had
on the local
economy.
The Kilpatricks, who are donating
a portion of their well-known Blueberry Farm for the group's efforts,
are optimistic about the chestnut plantings. "We really look forward
to watching these trees grow over the next few decades, and there is
a satisfaction in knowing that this is a significant step in
restoring something that was such an important part of the history of
the area, and even of the country." The trees planted at The
Blueberry Farm will be used in the ongoing breeding program with the
goal of having trees available to chapter members by the year 2007.
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