I’ll make this short and sweet. Once upon a time, America was full of Chestnut Trees. There were billions of them. Every creature (including humans) enjoyed them. Especially the nuts! Some folks would even roast them on an open fire! American forests and the wildlife depended on Chestnut trees. Then, in the early 1900’s a blight was accidentally introduced, and billions of American Chestnut trees were lost. To call it ‘fucked up’ is the understatement of the century.

Growing up in Ohio, my grandmother would tell me about all the chestnut trees that used to be around, and my little mind couldn’t even imagine it. Billions of food bearing trees wiped out. Forever. Gone. What we call a forest now, doesn’t look anything like the food abundant forests that the native Americans and early settlers enjoyed. It’s really hard to comprehend.

Now here’s the good news! The American Chesnut survived! There are a few left, (maybe four or even more?) and some very motivated people are doing their best to bring the American Chestnut back from the brink. It’s incredibly exciting stuff. This is the kind of science I love. Thanks to all involved and keep up the good work!

If only PBS could have stuck with content like this. Oh well. I’m too stoked about the Chestnut trees to even get mad at this point.