Penn National recently hosted a meeting of the South Mountain Speakers Series focused on the history of the American Chestnut, the catastrophe that nearly wiped it out, and the restoration of the species, especially in the Michaux State Forest and South Mountain areas. Dave Armstrong of the PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation was the speaker.

We were happy to hear that there are native Chestnut trees resprouting in Michaux State forest and Penn State in cooperation with the American Chestnut Foundation local chapter. They have planted 600 6^th generation Chestnut trees in a test plot to evaluate their blight resistance before introducing them into the forest. The cross is between the disease resistant Chinese Chestnut and the native American Chestnut. They are looking for volunteers for planting and tending existing trees. To volunteer, contact Susan Smith, smith@longacre.com. The local chapter is the Cumberland-Perry Branch of the American Chestnut foundation.