Saturday, October 22nd was a day of celebration at the Glenn C. Price Research Farm in Meadowview, VA. For seven years now, The American Chestnut Foundation has been celebrating the successes of the research revolving around the American Chestnut tree. This year, BRDC took eight excited and enthusiastic young ladies from Galax Middle School to learn about the American Chestnut tree and enjoy the festivities.

As October should be, the day began cold and blustery. It didn't stop these girls as they bundled up for the hayride through the orchards to hear about the trees and the research that was going on at this location.

Upon our return to the facility, we gathered our tickets for door prizes and raffle drawings. Each student deposited their raffle ticket in a jar in hopes of winning the drawing for that prize. They then migrated to the beverage counter for some complimentary hot chocolate to warm them up. There were numerous treats all made from the flour and/or nuts of the chestnut. All the girls sampled the cookies, cakes, brownies and of course...roasted chestnuts!

Outside, craft stations were set up and included pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, and making luminaries. The girls all participated in these crafts as well.

There was also an old apple press and some apples being pressed for cider. The girls took a turn at working the press and getting to sample the "fruit juice" of their labor.

Back inside we went to get warmed up with a great tour of the lab given by Tom Saielli, Regional Science Coordinator. There they study the fungus that kills the tree. Seeing state of the art equipment used for scientific research was a real treat!

The day ended with live music and raffle drawings. The girls enjoyed a great afternoon and left with lots of loot!