SilvaBio Celebrates Landmark Achievement in American Chestnut Restoration
Arbor Day Planting In Front Of The White House Signals A New Era for U.S. Hardwood Forests—Beginning With This Keystone Species
On Arbor Day 2026, SilvaBio Co-Founders Andrew Serazin and Michael Bloom, along with officials from the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service gathered in front of the White House to plant two Darling 54 American chestnut trees.
A historic first, the moment underscored the ecological and economic significance of the species, and the rapidly increasing evidence for the effectiveness of the transgenic Darling line.
In a Presidential Message marking the 154th commemoration of Arbor Day, the White House announced the planting, calling the act: “An enduring gift of hope and optimism to future generations”.
The trees were donated to the American people courtesy of SilvaBio.
AT A GLANCE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOMENT
These trees are the first blight-tolerant American chestnuts planted on federal land, a major milestone in a decades-long restoration effort.
This planting signals growing alignment across federal agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners around a shared restoration mission.
The moment also marks an inflection point in large-scale hardwood forest recovery—lending national visibility to the Darling breakthrough to protect other at-risk species.
A single act with the potential to catalyze restoration across the American chestnut's 200-million-acre native range, pending deregulation.
THE MOMENT
The ceremony opened with remarks from John Stanwich, National Park Service White House Liaison and President's Park Superintendent, followed by addresses from the National Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron, U.S. Forest Service Associate Deputy Chief John Crockett, and EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Director Ed Messina.
Closing remarks prior to the planting were delivered by SilvaBio CEO and Co-Founder Michael Bloom, who reflected on the decades of science and partnership that made the moment possible.
THE SCENE
The audience included representatives from federal agencies, national forestry and conservation organizations, biomass and energy industry groups, and private landowners, united by a shared commitment to restore this treasured part of our natural heritage.
Originating from Georgetown, ME, the ceremony tree was bred from pollen cultivated at The University of New England (UNE) by Dr. Thomas Klak, Ph.D.—and made its journey to Washington, D.C. under the care of Bartlett Tree Experts.
At just five years old, the Darling 54 American chestnut already stands over 15 feet tall
THE GUEST OF HONOR
THE VOICES FROM THE FIELD
“A foreign pathogen took the American chestnut from our forests. As we approach our 250th, American innovation, science collaboration and stewardship are bringing it back. That is a story worthy of this anniversary.”
— Jessica Bowron, National Park Service Acting Director
“I am excited to be here today, to be in partnership with the parks service and other partners, to celebrate this day, this tree and what it means for the future of the air we breathe and the other benefits it provides.”
— John Crockett, U.S. Forest Service Associate Deputy Chief
“We’re planting seeds that hopefully future generations will come here and see an effort that is being made to restore and bring back the chestnut tree to America…it is important that we do something like this.
— John Stanwich, National Park Service White House Liaison and President's Park Superintendent
“As our nation approaches its 250th year, we have an opportunity to restore what was lost and strengthen what remains. These two trees will one day be millions—a restoration across the species’ 25-state native range, led by early landowners, signaling a new era for America’s forests.”
— Michael Bloom, SilvaBio Co-Founder & CEO
WHAT WAS PLANTED AT PRESIDENT’S PARK CAN TAKE ROOT ON YOUR LAND
The Arbor Day planting marked a defining moment in American chestnut restoration—but true, forest-scale recovery begins with private landowners.
As a Public Benefit Company committed to responsible reforestation, SilvaBio is advancing the Darling breakthrough beyond the lab and into the forest—in close partnership with a growing network of collaborators to ensure the American chestnut’s successful return.
That work now extends to the stewards America's land, like you.
SilvaBio's Founder's Circle brings together a limited group of landowners who will establish some of the earliest professionally supported American chestnut plantings in the country. Select plantings are now underway, with blight-tolerant Darling 54 seedlings growing in our greenhouse and ready for distribution.
JOIN THE RESTORATION EFFORT
The work ahead to protect our hardwood forests is more urgent and consequential than ever before.
We welcome conversations with investors, strategic partners, and collaborators who share our commitment to restoring America's hardwood forests for generations to come.
Reach out below to learn how to get involved.