We heard a very interesting presentation this week while meeting Tues AM at The Comm.  The American Chestnut tree was a significant economic asset to Norfolk County and other Carolinian Forest areas in North America previous to the 20th Century. In the early 1900's a blight was introduced from Asia and by 1930 had destroyed this species almost entirely.  
 
Our speakers were John Hill and Christina Vey, both farm managers at Onondaga Farms in Brant County which is owned and operated by the Tim Horton's Children's Foundation. John and Christina are actively involved with research to breed resistance into the American Chestnut species.  Young trees typically contract the blight and die, but through the breeding program, coordinated by the Canadian Chestnut Council, there is clear evidence that the research is working and resistance has been observed.
 
Although now an endangered species, the mighty American Chestnut may once again become an economic contributor in our community.
 
 
 
 
Sponsors