Since May of 2001, I started doing environmental education programs on a limited scale about the Ozark Chinquapin trees. Since May of 2003 Robert Barnes has been actively planting seed from surviving trees, and educating others about the trees.

Through his work and dedication Mr. Barnes has inspired people like Thad and Jerry of Southern Missouri, whom have also made huge contributions to this web site and the restoration work.          Since 1993 Larry has been actively planting seed from surviving trees in Arkansas and Louisiana.  Were in not for the help of people like Jack in Mississippi, who supplied valuable information and saplings this web site would not be possible.

Mr. Deaton and Robert B. in Arkansas have been very generous with valuable seed and information to help in the restoration. Many thanks to Carl who took the time to guide me to discoveries he made in northern Arkansas and is hopeful of gathering seed from this year as well.

State agencies through out the historic range of the tree have been excellent in their support and advice regarding the tree restoration as well. I plan on continuing my travels to parts of the historic range doing research, looking for surviving trees, and increasing our gene pool of surviving specimens.

In the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006, we sprouted seed from several sources and planted what we could in spring of 2006.                                                                                                                                       We are currently working on cross pollination of surviving resistant trees. Our focus is to establish a viable seed base of 100% pure Ozark Chinquapin trees that are resistant to the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica).

The seed from these trees can then be given to individuals who are interested in helping reestablish the trees. It is hoped hypovirulence research being done on the Chestnut Blight can be used effectively on the Ozark Chinquapin. We are currently experimenting on naturally occurring hypovirulence on trees we have found.

Mr. Deaton (on tractor), Carol & Larry Burford (right), and myself (Stephen Bost, not in picture) are working with grafts from surviving Ozark Chinquapin trees from all over their native range.  These grafted trees will be placed in research test plots to take advantage of their levels of resistance to the blight and diversify our gene pool of surviving trees.   On this December 2006 day we collected grafts from the former Grand National Champion tree that never did die from the blight.