Let's go a-chestnutting!
Back in the time of the mighty American chestnut tree, families and friends would gather to go 'chestnutting', collecting the bounty of nutritious nuts and enjoying a fall frolic in the countryside. We'll gather at LBEEC to appreciate the prolific chestnut trees planted there many years ago, harvest and process the crop together, and Justin Holt from Asheville Nuttery will share some knowledge about gathering, storing, eating, and growing chestnut trees.
Long Branch is home to a nursery of backcrossed chestnuts, which are genetically 75 percent Chinese and 25 percent American. The founder, Paul Gallimore was involved in championing American chestnut restoration for over 35 years. Read an article from Mountain Xpress on Paul and chestnuts here: https://mountainx.com/food/chestnuts-a-traditional-cherokee-food-source-puts-down-new-roots-in-wnc/
Long Branch will also be open all day for family-friendly raspberry u-pick, ongoing chestnut harvesting, and open trails for hiking. The workshop is casual and fun for all ages, so bring friends, young ones, and elders to gather together on this fall day.
Chestnuts can be prickly! We recommend close-toed shoes, and bring gloves if you so desire.