Dr. Stacy Clark, research forester with the U.S. Forest Service, will present: “American Chestnut Restoration: Can We Bring Back the Mighty Giant?” at the next UT Science Forum Friday, April 11.
The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was one of the most widely distributed and important tree species in eastern North America until decimated in the early part of the 20th century by an exotic fungus from Asia, the chestnut blight. Planting trees that have been bred for blight-resistance using Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) has led to some important discoveries. The return of American chestnut into forests of the eastern United States will face challenges from native and non-native plants, animals, insects and diseases, in addition to the chestnut blight.
Dr. Clark will present her current research findings and share her thoughts on bringing back this mighty giant.
The UT Science Forum takes place Fridays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m in the Thompson-Boling Arena Cafe, Rooms C-D. Each 40-minute presentation is followed by a Q&A. The UT Science Forum is free and open to the public.