The Swann Farm Back-Cross Chestnut Orchard is a cooperative partnership between the Northern Connecticut Land Trust and the American Chestnut Foundation.

The one and a half acre orchard includes 188 nuts from a mother tree in Stafford, CT pollinated with pollen from the American Chestnut Foundation’s CH283 tree, a third backcross to American that carries blight-resistant genes. The orchard can be seen on the South side of Reeves Road, approximately 1/4 mile west of the Ellington/Somers Town line.

In October 2017 some trees were removed to allow the stronger seedlings to remain established. This is an ongoing project and volunteers are welcome to assist with observation and work parties. Contact James Gage for more information.