The Chestnut Blight opus 951
| 8 October 2026 0708 Hours | | Botany, Biology, Current Events, Environment, History, Massachusetts, Science, Youth |
I was a nature boy at a very young age.
I grew up in the New England state of Massachusetts.
The traditional forest composition was Oak/Maple/ Chestnut.
As I grew, I learned more and more about the Chestnut Blight,
Which always decimated the Chestnut,
Leaving only the Oak/Maple climax.
This species had provided wildlife shelter and nutty food
For creatures and humans.
Watching the forest's recombination was, for me, a living tragedy.
Many attempts have been made to resuscitate this species.
Until now, little progress has been made to remedy the situation.
Today, new genetic tools may allow the Chestnut to return.
I have lived 85 years, witnessing many wars,
Massacres, assassinations, loss of freedoms,
And rising climate temperatures.
The possible reestablishment of Chestnuts into their former ecosystems,
For me, will be a positive human act,
Which may somewhat offset the human horrors and wrongful acts
Of past and present persons who unjustly assault their fellow beings.