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The Fall Meeting of the General Membership of
The Georgia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation was held on
Saturday, October 7 at Red Top Mountain Lodge.
Carolyn Hill gave welcome and did the
introduction of the board and officers. She recognized TACF as
turning 25 years old in 2008. She also recognized long-term members
of the organization like Mary Bell Price and Scott Merkle.
Dianne Smith gave the treasurer’s report.
(Orchard Expense $1181) (Mother Tree Expenses $1782) Ending
balance of $6368
Mark Stoakes talked to the group about fund
raising and grant writing. We’ve received one grant for $4300 from
the Appalachian Regional Commission for our work at Backcross
orchards this year. He also spoke about starting an endowment fund
for the long-term success of the chapter.
Tim Chesnut put together fabulous display boards
and talked to the group about branching out in other directions in
order to spread the message to more people. He also helped the
foundation by doing several radio shows that educated the public on
the chestnut tree and how they could get involved.
Mark Stallings and Marti Cipollini gave the
orchard report. They have 30 seedlings from the Meyer tree, also
stated that the 1 ½ acre site on the Berry campus will be fenced with
National Forest Foundation Funds. Will Watkins will be replacing John
Lull as the Berry College intern. The UGA Education & Research
Center in Blairsville will be up and running in about a year as will
Rhienhart College. Marti said they have 20 mother trees identified
and all but one have been verified as pure American. They can be
used for one backcross pollination. Marti also discussed how to
identify American chestnut trees. If unsure, send him a leaf
sample. DNA tests will verify for true American chestnut. He also
stated we needed stewards for trees. We need about 16 more mother
trees. Pollinations: One line completed from Paul Sisco tree.
Scott Merkle, who was instrumental in the
Blairsville orchard, gave the group an update on cultures and had a
demonstration table after the meeting for members to look at his
cloning work..
Paul Kormanik talked to our group about the
planting of trees. He has been very successful sowing seed directly
into nursery beds before germination in November. The use of
heavy amounts of fertilizer encourages rapid growth and a full root
system. Once the final backcross or cloned American chestnut is
produced, this may be one way for reforestation of the Georgia
mountain.
Carl Meyer was given a special presentation on
behalf of his work with the chapter's first Mother Tree and in caring
for more than 80 American chestnut trees on his property.
Members were invited to test their knowledge of
the American chestnut though quizzes on tree identification,
pollination stages as well as talk to Dr Merkle and Dr Kormanik about
their work.
The next meeting will be held on April 28th
at the UGA Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville.
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM |
