Resources for Obtaining chestnuts
At this time, we do not sell or distribute American chestnut seeds or seedlings to the public. We distribute the pure native seeds to members at our Spring Growers Meeting. The National organization distributes advanced seeds as part of their Sponsor Level Membership program.
Check with the PA Nut Growers to learn about other possible sources of nuts. They are a non-profit educational organization to encourage the planting and propagation of edible nut trees.
Empire Chestnut Company
Chestnut orchard selling seeds, seedlings, nuts, and flour.
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES
TACF and Advance Seed Nuts: The national office of TACF distributes a limited number of advanced seed nuts to sponsor level members each spring. Sponsor-level memberships should be purchased by the end of the previous year. TACF also rewards loyal members with advanced seed nuts. If you have maintained your regular membership for 10 or more years you can call the national office at (828) 281-0047, to request your loyalty nuts. Please note that resistance is not guaranteed in these hybrid seeds. To learn more about seed level memberships please visit the website of the national office of TACF: TACF.org
TACF and native Bare Root Seedlings: While supplies last, TACF offers pure native seedlings for sale in the winter. This offer to members typically runs out within a day so call TACF to make sure you are on the email list to receive a notification (828) 281-0047.
PA/NJ Chapter and Pure Native Seeds: If seed supplies permit our chapter offers pure American chestnut seeds to members on an annual basis, typically following our Spring Meeting in March or April. The quantities available depend on the annual harvest.
How to obtain, grow, and manage American Chestnuts:
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PURPOSES
Ceremonial Plantings: This program is temporarily on hold. You may still apply but material and staff limitations mean that no requests will be fulfilled this year. Look for updates later in 2025.
The PA/NJ Chapter sometimes provides seeds/seedlings for educational purposes, referred to as ceremonial plantings. Ceremonial plantings are limited to 5 to 10 restoration nuts/seedlings in public spaces. To learn more about the criteria and application process please email our office at mail@patacf.org
Planting an orchard
If you are interested in planting an orchard for our breeding program, please contact our regional science coordinator, Lake Graboski, at 814-863-7192 or lake.graboski@tacf.org.