American Chestnut Tree
the problem:
The American Chestnut tree is an endangered species of tree that is native to the Eastern United States. The trees were once used to build everything from furniture to the railroad. The American Chestnut trees were killed by blight and are almost extinct. An acre of trees were planted in my community in an ongoing project to build up the number of American Chestnut trees growing in the United States.
vital stats:
people impacted:
2,500people involved:
32why it's important:
I organized and built the fence around the American Chestnut tree orchard that was recently planted to help protect the trees from natural predators. I had the help of friends and people from the community. The fence is about an acre in circumference. It is 8 feet tall with fence posts made of recycled telephone poles. There are two sets of gates that are 12' wide X 8' high (2 six foot wide gates for each set).
the plan of action:
First I had to develop the plans for the fence using the recycled telephone poles that the Izaak Walton League wanted me to use. They gave me specifications for the fence. I had to raise funds for the fencing and get donations. Once I had the donations and materials I had to organize help for completing the project including getting equipment (Chain saws, augers, Bobcat). My group of helpers worked to first put up the telephone poles by digging four foot deep holes, dragging the poles to the holes, setting up the poles, and filling in the holes. After that the fence needed to be hung and stapled to the poles. Once the fence was up, we built the gates (12' wide X 8' tall). Each gate is in two 6' X 8' sections. The gates were made to accommodate the water truck and tractor. Most of the trees are thriving and are growing. The trees have not been bothered by animals in the surrounding area.
how you can get involved:
The American Chestnut Foundation is always looking for donations, and assistance with planting trees.
Comments
Very inspirational and professionally done.
A large project of this caliber must have been well thought out and organized to create something very professionally.
Congradulations. These trees will have a fighting chance.
The Gortva Family
Impressive workmanship and an inspiring project. A few years from now when we are able to enjoy the fruits of this labor by finding these majestic trees in our local nurseries we will have outstanding young people like this to thank.
This is a fantastic project. It is truly a worthy cause that could help to restore an incredible natural resource to our country that has been lost.
This is an amazingly difficult project for someone of this young mans age to even imagine, much less finish. To complete a heavy construction project of this magnitude is a testament to his perseverence his selflessness and his dedication
This project is impressive. I think that the trees will be a great asset to the American Chestnut Foundation in their quest to keep the trees alive and the fence will provide the necessary protection for the trees. Great job!!
I think it is very important to give back to the community and the earth. This project gives back to the earth, not to mention the time, effort, and benefits it will reap for our enviornment.
Terrific project - sounds like you put a lot into this and for a great cause! You were very resourceful too. Great for the environment all the way around.
If you want to pursue the Chestnut Tree cause, you should contact the Accokeek Foundation to see if they may want to know how your project was accomplished and the results.
I am just blown away by this project. It is truly inspiring to see what can be accomplished when time, effort and passion is applied to a cause.
From personal experience, I know this to be a project that will endure throughout a lifetime. I assisted my father-in-law planting pine tree saplings on his farm 30 years ago. Each time we visit the farm, it is awesome to see the results in the growth of this huge trees. Hopefully, the fence you made will endure as long as the trees. That will always be something to be proud of.