An empty field on Southern’s campus is now home to something with deep roots — and even deeper potential.
As highlighted by the New Haven Independent, students and faculty recently planted a “demonstration orchard” near the Ethnic Heritage Center on Fitch Street, joining a statewide effort to revive the nearly extinct American chestnut tree.
Led by Dr. Rachel Jeffrey, assistant professor of biology and a biochemist, in collaboration with the American Chestnut Foundation, the project gives students hands-on experience in ecological restoration and field biology. Graduate student Alina Tran and senior Josh Hays spent last summer collecting and transferring pollen between isolated trees — acting as matchmakers for a species with little chance of reproducing on its own.
The site will serve as a living lab, opening up new research and educational opportunities for SCSU students across disciplines. A formal ribbon cutting is planned for the fall semester.
Read the full story on the New Haven Independent: Welcome To … The Chestnut City?
