A Narrative by Faye King

This project is powered by emotion derived from reaching to our common cultural respect for the giant of the Appalachian forest, the American Chestnut. Reflection on the era of the domination by this particular species brings passion that energizes the intergenerational discussion about the restoration of the Chestnut. We value the ecosystem that the Chestnut was part of.

The community conversation engenders a stewardship ethic when strip-mined sites are reforested and our mountains hold the prospect of returning to their natural glory. Participating in this reforestation naturally leads students and community members to systems-thinking that can transfer to forest sustainability, creation of value added industries, and the community's economic viability.

This elevation of thinking and creative local problem-solving is a necessity for the area which has in recent history been dependent on an extractive-resource economy quickly reaching depletion. But, because of our long-standing cultural connection to the subsistence farm and community barnraising traditions, we constitute a region where sustainable communities and forests can be more quickly achieved, thereby serving as models for the nation (and world).

This project is not about information gathering: it is about knowledge - knowledge imparted about work ethics, community moral standards, civic productivity, and responsible democratic action. This project views democracy as a verb, not a noun.

The value of our intergenerational communication and value of the transfer of knowledge about a real-life issue cannot be overstated. This is the basis of lifelong learning joyfully pursued and purposefully utilized.

The depth of commitment of the adults involved in this project is unparalleled in my thirty years of education experience. This depth of commitment is present despite the fact that the adult participants recognize that they will not live to see this project to its ultimate fruition. It is the dream of an Appalachian forest once again housing regal mature trees that can captivate the interest and quicken the spirit of all participants. It is our hope for a better future for our youth.