FROSTBURG, Md. (AP) — The University of Maryland says researchers are working on a new project to restore the American chestnut tree to western Maryland.
The American chestnut is known as the redwood of the East, and the trees once dominated the East Coast landscape until their populations were decimated by the chestnut blight fungus.
The university's Center for Environmental Science says it is working with the American Chestnut Foundationand western Maryland residents on the project. Researchers from the center's Appalachian Laboratory plan to discuss how residents can help during a public meeting March 9 at the laboratory in Frostburg. The researchers will also discuss the importance of the trees for healthy forests and streams.
