On the University of Iowa’s Oakdale Campus in Coralville, a rare and historic tree continues to thrive,  a mature American chestnut estimated to be 125 years old and believed to be the second-oldest of its kind in the state of Iowa.

Once widespread across the eastern United States, American chestnut trees were nearly wiped out in the early 1900s by a devastating fungal blight. Today, only a handful remain making the U of I’s Oakdale chestnut a remarkable survivor.

Campus arborist Andy Dahl has played a key role in preserving the tree and educating others about its significance. Visitors regularly travel from states away to see the tree and learn about its history.

Beyond preservation, the tree is contributing to national research efforts. Cuttings, pollen, and scion wood from the Oakdale chestnut have been shared with the American Chestnut Foundation and Penn State University, supporting research aimed at developing blight-resistant American chestnut trees.

Thanks to the care of University of Iowa Facilities Management Landscape Services and Andy’s expertise, this rare tree remains a living link to Iowa’s natural history and a symbol of resilience on the U of I campus. 

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