GOLDEN POND, Kentucky — American chestnut trees have been nearly extinct for decades, so a local organization has partnered with the American Chestnut Foundation to lead a project to restore the species.

A parasitic fungus destroyed the trees almost 100 years ago.

Currently, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is responsible for more than 40 American chestnut seedlings.

“We are trying to bring them back so we can get nuts from the trees and plant them in the forest,” said Yvonne Antes, a forester at Land Between the Lakes.

The restoration process could take up to seven years, but Antes is confident the trees will be worth the wait.

Antes explained the restoration process. While seedlings were planted on Monday, the first step was to take tree samples or cuttings.

“Two, almost three years ago, a graduate student came to us to map the trees. He was doing research on the American chestnut. He asked us to make cuts, so he came over, made the cuts. Then the Chestnut Foundation had bred some Chinese chestnuts, so they were able to remove the roots. We grafted them, basically made a slit and put in our American chestnut, the top wood of the American chestnut,” Antes explained.

LBL initially started with about 64 seedlings, but lost some to the weather. Despite some losses, Antes is confident that this project will be successful.

“It’s just an incredible experience to be able to be part of reintroducing these trees to LBL,” she said.

To participate in the project, please contact the American Chestnut Foundation.