Chestnut trees used to be called "the Redwoods of the East," and they made up 35 percent of northeastern American forests. But in 1904, a fungus began to appear, and what's called "chestnut blight" killed some 3.5 billion trees by 1940. The ones we get now are imported. But there could be good news for Christmas fireplaces in the near future. There is an American Chestnut Foundation, and it doesn't exist to mourn the dead. It's planning a restoration. Its president is Bryan Burhans.
American Chestnuts Growing Poised for Comeback
Credits
Guest:
Bryan Burhans - American Chestnut Foundation
Host:
Warren Olney
Producers:
Anna Scott,
Sonya Geis