By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — It isn’t every day that most people have an opportunity to view a wild American chestnut tree.
Jim Brady of Olean knew he had a unique American chestnut tree in his Indiana Avenue woodlot, but last year learned there was a second. Since then he has discovered more than 60 more chestnut trees.
On Saturday morning, the New York Forest Owners Association has invited the public for a free Fall hike through Brady’s town of Olean forest to view about 45 of the American chestnut species.
Once among the tallest and fastest growing trees in the Eastern U.S., American chestnut trees suffered from disease and blight that have left only a dozen known trees that are unaffected.
The chestnut blight affects the root system and causes trees that grow from sprouts and those in nurseries to begin to die after about five years. Hybrid chestnut trees that are crossed with Chinese chestnut and a wheat germ that inhibits the blight hold promise for the trees.
The walk will pass 45 of the trees in Brady’s woodlot ranging in size from 8 to 50 feet in height. The owner will share his experiences over the last year as well as his passion for Chestnut trees.
Several experienced members of The American Chestnut Foundation are also expected to be in attendance (Jim has recently become a member) providing a broad base of experience for answering questions and discussing expectations.
The woodlot is 100 acres and the walk will be on two of the three stands on the property where you’ll see other tree species to include Red Oak, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Birch, and Beech and may see signs of bear, fox, bobcat, deer, and turkey.
Recently planted Chestnut seedlings in a cleared area can also be seen.
The first stand is about 30 acres, last harvested about 25 years ago. The second stand is about 50 acres, high graded by the previous owner about six years ago. The elimination of the canopy on this stand resulted in full sun, which allowed young Chestnut trees to thrive.
The program is free and will be held rain or shine unless there is a severe weather warning. Dress for the weather.
Registration will be from 9-9:30 Saturday at the Indiana Avenue location. The GPS Coordinates: 42.050660; -78.423761. The location is 1.25 miles from East Riverside Drive and is located on the dirt portion of Indiana Avenue.
There is space along the road or on the grass across from the gate on the right. There is room for about 30 vehicles. There is a two-mile walk and a shorter one-mile walk with a 250-foot change in elevation.
Master Forest Owner volunteers are graduates of a four-day training program through Cornell MFO program. Statewide over 140 volunteers are available to assist woodland owners with information needed to manage their woodlands through free visits and discussions. To learn more about Master Forest Owner program go online to: https://blogs.cornell.edu/ccemfo/program-information/
