Echoes of the Past: The Fall of the American Chestnut in Appalachia

The American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) was once a dominant species in the Appalachian forests, making up an estimated 25% of the hardwood canopy. These majestic trees, which could grow over 100 feet tall and live for centuries, were a cornerstone of the ecosystem and a vital resource for both wildlife and human communities. However, the arrival of the chestnut blight in the early 20th century led to one of the most devastating ecological disasters in American history.

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