From Indiatimes · TOI Tech Desk · · 2m
Chestnut Grove at Risk from AI Datacenter
West Virginia's last American chestnut grove faces relocation by AI datacenter Nscale, described as largest single AI investment in US history.
In brief
West Virginia's last American chestnut grove faces relocation by AI datacenter Nscale, described as largest single AI investment in US history. West Virginia's last American chestnut grove, planted in 1970s from wild surviving trees, may be relocated by Nscale's $20 billion AI datacenter in late 2027. Originally…
Chestnut Grove at Risk
One of last remaining chestnut groves planted in 1970s from wild surviving american chestnuts faces risk of being wiped out by datacenter.
Datacenter Investment
Nscale describes its Monarch Compute Campus as 'one of largest single ai infrastructure investments in us history'.
“one of largest single ai infrastructure investments in us history”
Investment Scale
The company plans to invest more than $20 billion across a campus covering over 2,250 acres.
Clements State Nursery
The orchard at former Clements State Tree Nursery in Mason County was established in 1976 from surviving wild trees.
Blight Resistant Trees
Researchers collected nuts from large surviving trees in west virginia, virginia and maryland hoping for blight resistance.
Tree Survival
Some seedlings died but survivors now reach 60 feet and produce nuts despite blight infection.
Second Orchard
Nuts from original planting established second orchard in 1990s supplying seeds for restoration across west virginia.
American Chestnut Foundation
Foundation describes Clements as managed orchard supporting research, breeding and seed production.
Tree Count
Orchard contains roughly half a dozen surviving trees from original planting and 15 to 20 mature trees from later planting.
Blight Status
Although infected with blight, trees continue producing nuts despite disease.
Relocation Plan
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced trees will be relocated within property in late 2027 during dormant season.
Nscale Coverage
Nscale would cover relocation costs and maintain access for seed collection and sapling distribution.
Tree Specialist Concerns
Local tree specialists warn relocation risks root damage and blight impact on mature trees.
Nscale Statement
Senior VP Pete Hollis stated there's never been a plan to bulldoze or cut down the trees.
Foundation Recommendation
American Chestnut Foundation recommended independent evaluation of relocation feasibility.
Relocation Risk
No documented examples exist of successfully relocating mature american chestnut trees.
The headline
West Virginia's last American chestnut grove, planted in 1970s from wild surviving trees, may be relocated by Nscale's $20 billion AI datacenter in late 2027.
