American Chestnut Day

American Chestnut Day

October 4, 2025

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Please join us for American Chestnut Day at the North Carolina Arboretum, hosted in partnership with The American Chestnut Foundation

This celebration will feature expert speaker sessions with Nickole Brown (Academy of American Poets), Eric Griffin (Warren Wilson University), Todd Boera (Fonta Flora), and others. Visitors can also purchase American chestnut seedlings while supplies last and explore interactive exhibits from the Hemlock Restoration Initiative, GreenWorks, EcoForesters, RiverLink, and Warren Wilson College.

Additional highlights include student poster presentations, a documentary screening with a Q&A led by TACF’s lead scientists, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Schedule of Presentations

All take place in the Education Center Auditorium

10:00-11:00 — On the Poetry of Trees, with Nickole Brown of the Hellbender Gathering of Poets
11:15-12:00 — Forest Restoration Efforts with Dr. Eric Griffin (Warren Wilson College)
12:00-1:10 — Documentary Screening and Q&A with TACF staff!
1:15-1:45 — Invasives, Fire Mitigation, Habitat Enhancement and Forest Structure for Home Owners with Mike Archer (WCU)
2:00-2:30 — Brewing Chestnut Beer with Todd Boera (Fonta Flora)
2:45-3:00 — Student Poster Awards

See you there!

This event is part of Fall for the Arb! Celebrate fall with a series of events and happenings throughout September and October! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with nature programs, education, music, art and more!