Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect Project PA Chapter Slide Speaker’s personal introduction and comments based on the audience make-up. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation was formed in 1994 to promote chestnut recovery in the Mid-Atlantic region of the chestnut range. We are involved in backcross breeding for the Foundation. It is the largest Chapter with over 800 members. We have a large orchard system of American trees and hybrid trees as well as an extensive program of planting, pollinating and harvesting each year. ( the tree in the background was taken in 1898 in Chester County, PA and it had a circumference of 25 feet or a diameter of over 8 feet.)

The Inspiration

How the Data were Gathered? ID and Data Gathering Training with Hikers Hikers hiked between May and October Counted trees within 15 feet of trail centerline Trees over 3 feet in height Trees with multiple stems = 1 tree Individual data on trees over 8” dbh

Initial Data Collection Trees overall 5,076 trees counted 187.4 miles hiked Within 494 miles of trail 38% of 494 = 187.4

What Do we Do w/ the Data This was a pre-pilot study We’re still piloting! Are the data useful in this format? What questions can we answer? Differences in soil type? Differences in elevation? Differences between land use? Other variables?

Area of Interest – Northern New Jersey

Soil Types along Trail in NJ

Land Use along Trail In NJ

Chestnut Count in New Jersey

What We’d Like Endorsement of the Project We want your input! Please contact Kathy Some funding from the Science Cabinet In the range of $5000 To refine data gathering process Incidentals and ID kits Travel GIS assistance with pilot study in advance of NSF grant Endorsement of NSF Funding Application with Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Questions