2026 American Chestnut Plantation Update

Original article: 2023 Planting

  • During April 2026, our Noisy River Land Steward Jill Kantelberg and me met with neighbours at our Noisy River property to establish easier access to the Chestnut Plantation along the eastern boundary of their property.
  • Access was hindered by a small downburst that, according to the neighbour had occurred during last years ice storm.
  • During our hike in, a blue-spotted salamander was identified, still in a dormant state.
  • Chipping of the downed trees for mulch was discussed.
  • Mulch could then be used to suppress the competition around the chestnut saplings.
  • The distance from the downed tress to the chestnut saplings was only a 100 metres or so.
  • In May 2026, we engaged a contractor chip/mulch all the downed trees and cut a nice trail from the mulched pile to the chestnut plantation.
  • Jill performed a clean up of the old disintegrating rodent guards and stacked stakes all together from non viable trees.
  • Inventory was taken of remaining chestnuts trees and approx 50% are still viable.
  • 26 – count of viable chestnut trees over 12” 
  • 40 – count of  viable chestnut trees (some barely) under 12”