Foundations Support Online Chestnut Tree Program
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, ALCOA, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Lyndhurst Foundation have pledged support to the Charlie Chestnut program - an e-learning initiative of the American Chestnut Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Bennington, Vt., and of Knowledge Environments of North Adams, Mass. The American Chestnut Foundation received the support of The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, ALCOA, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Lyndhurst Foundation to reach out and teach people the largely forgotten facts about the American chestnut tree, once called the "King of the Forests."
The Charlie Chestnut program (www.charliechestnut.org) is a free Internet-based curriculum that integrates math, science and social studies around thematic topics on the restoration of the American chestnut tree and responsible stewardship of forests. Students learn about the American chestnut tree, it's historical rise as a major economic engine and its demise as it succumbed to the Asian blight. They learn about trees, forest ecology and wildlife connections. The curriculum may be started anytime and can support millions of students. Charlie Chestnut teaches online using his tutorial-style scrapbook, interactive online activities and a pop-up glossary. The American Chestnut Foundation, Bennington, VT, (802) 447-0110, www.acf.org.