UNE Environmental Science students featured in American Chestnut Foundation publication
Chestnut, the journal of the American Chestnut Foundation has highlighted the work of four UNE Environmental Science students working to restore this tree in Maine. The students’ efforts are part of a series of field experiments across Maine to assist in large-scale regrowth of the species throughout its former range. The American chestnut (Castenea dentata) is classified as a tree of special concern in Maine due to the devastating effects of a blight fungus accidentally imported to the east coast more than 100 years ago.
The students planted American chestnut seeds and saplings as a hands-on lab activity with Thomas Klak, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies. Using restoration questions identified by the American Chestnut Foundation, the students designed the field trials, selected planting locations, organized an Earth Day event and concluded their project with data collection and study documentation.
Discussing her work on the project, Sarah Fleischmann, B.A. ‘16 (Environmental Studies) said, “We are trying to leave a legacy at UNE involving students, faculty and the campus community. This project is a true culmination of what I’ve learned on this campus -- the restoration of an important species, and working with important individuals from a variety of different fields and disciplines.”
To learn more about the University of New England’s Department of Environmental Studies, visit www.une.edu/cas/envstudies
To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions