New Jersey Highlands Trail Hike

Chestnut Tree along the Highlands Trail in West Milford, New Jersey

Ross Kushner of the Pequannock River Coalition points out a Chestnut Tree. Chestnut Trees were once the dominant tree in North American forests, but after 1900 were nearly eliminated by a fungal bark disease. The tree being observed is only sprouts from an tree trunk. When the shoots reach a moderate height, the bark shattering disease will destroy the base of the tree.