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Pages 12-13 from The Overstory, by Richard Powers, which I have briefly reviewed in a separate post. There are of course entire books on this subject, but I thought this page brought the disaster into sharp focus. The chestnut blight was one of the greatest ecologic disasters ever to hit North America.
And I've just discovered that the world's largest remaining stand of genetically pure, mature American chestnut trees is near West Salem, Wisconsin. I believe that's the town where one of my aunts was born. Perhaps I can find an excuse to visit the trees this summer.
Make sure you sterilize yourself before going there - you don't want to be the blight carrier.
ReplyDeleteI live near the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential center in Fremont, Ohio. The property is known as Spiegel Grove, and contains an arboretum. I have noticed at least one young chestnut tree there that has a sign saying that it is supposed to be resistant to the chestnut blight. I will have to pay more attention to the sign the next time I am there.
ReplyDeleteThis is a horrifying story, and I feel terrible to admit it, but I'm giggling like a 12 year old at your use of 'shart'.
ReplyDeleteRespectfully copy editing:
ReplyDelete“this page brought the disaster into shart focus.”
Bicycle Rider
Cleaned up. Sincere thanks.
ReplyDelete