AUGUSTA — The Viles Arboretum recently featured its newly planted American Chestnut trees, along with commentary by the American Chestnut Foundation and participants from Smart Eye Care.
Beginning two years ago, newly bred and resistant chestnut trees that came directly from the foundation’s nursery were planted at the Arboretum.
Along with the earlier planting, full color interpretive panels were installed so visitors can read about the arrival of a fungus from Asia around 1914 to which native chestnut had little resistance and which wiped out many of the country’s chestnuts. The planting was made possible with a gift from Smart Eye Care.
The American Chestnut Foundation has developed a strain that is resistant to the fungus, leading the way to cultivating trees that may someday re-establish their place in the forest community.
On July 7, visitors joined a field trip and learned about the ecology of the species.
Paul Wheeler, CFO of Smart Eye Care, said, “We are very pleased with the partnership we have with both the Viles Arboretum and the American Chestnut Foundation and the progress that has been made over the past three years. Establishing the largest plantation of resistant trees in Maine, standing at over 300, is quite a feat and marks a significant and positive turning point in the recovery of this important species to Maine woodlands.”
Kyra Danielowski, the Arboretum’s collection manager and outreach specialist said, “It’s very exciting to be part of this overall effort. I come from Minnesota where there never were any Am. Chestnut trees and I’m absolutely amazed at this tree and everything about it.”
“Come visit us any time, especially to check out our American chestnut trees,” said Mark DesMeules, executive director of the Viles Arboretum. He said the trees are in flower and the flowers are unique. Many insects use it as a pollinator.
PHOTO: Viles Arboretum field trip participants stand in front of the new interpretive panels about the American Chestnut planting, funded by Smart Eye Care. (Submitted photo)
