100 years ago, almost 4 billion American Chestnut trees grew in the eastern U.S. They dominated the forests from Maine to Florida. Timber sawn from these massive trees helped build the entire country. They were used in everything from homes to railroad ties. The massive chestnuts fed  both animals and people. Then, unexpectly, about 100 years ago,  a vicious asian pathogen wiped out virtually all of them. This created the Wormy Chestnut materials we have today. 

However, scientist are now saying that American Chestnut could make a comeback, thanks to modern science and genetic engineering. And, there are a great many people that believe in that possibility. The American Chestnut Foundation along will a growing number of volunteers are making strong efforts every day to help the Chestnut regenerate and re-enter the American marketplace.