Orchard Tour
I recently enjoyed a visit to our orchard at the Penn State Arboretum… (I’ve heard the best of the best back-crossed American chestnut trees are there.) Our orchard manager, Noah, showed me around, taking a break from clearing around the base of the trees with the summer intern, Persephone. Noah explained that keeping the base of the trees clear from competing vegetation gives them a higher success rate as they are getting established. Once the trees have a broader canopy, their shade will take over that job, but the younger trees can use a little help. Visit our Instagram page to see Noah and Persephone on the job!
It was a joy to make the acquaintance of Persephone (recent PSU forestry grad), who has the brightest smile, and looks perfectly content tending to the trees.
It was also really impressive to see the orchard’s new fence- over 2500 feet of it between the north and south orchards!! A significant and necessary upgrade, made possible by the donors to the chapter’s recent appeal. This fence is doing a grand job of keeping the deer away from the chestnut trees. It simply wouldn’t be possible to do the necessary work of this restoration mission without the help of our members and donors! We are grateful for every contribution, and thought you all might like to see the real life results of your giving!
Along with more mature trees and leaves, you also might notice some photos of new growth. I was struck by the severity of the new leaves’ little “dentata” teeth, and by their gorgeous rosy hue. Watching Mother Nature showing off her babies never gets old.
Thanks for following along in our world of American chestnut trees! It’s a wonderful world to witness and we’re so glad you’re along for the ride.
-Audrey
