1. 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.)

2. The Inspiration

3. 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

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

5. 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?

6. Area of Interest – Northern New Jersey

7. Soil Types along Trail in NJ

8. Land Use along Trail In NJ

9. Chestnut Count in New Jersey

10. 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

11. Questions