First ever L.I. Chestnut Festival comes to Baldwin

The American chestnut tree hasn’t had much luck over the last 120-plus years as its population has been nearly wiped out along the East Coast. But as organizations look to bring the once flourishing species back to its former status, the first ever Long Island Chestnut Festival was held in Baldwin over the weekend in what turned out to be picture-perfect weather.

The event, sponsored by the Baldwin Civic Association, Baldwin Historical Society and Seatuck Environmental Association, featured games, food and information about the American chestnut. The festival had a good turnout as many people enjoyed one of the last hot days of the year, toured the Baldwin Community Garden and learned about nature.

The festival was held at the Baldwin Community Garden, behind the Historical Museum off Grand Avenue. Enrico Nardone, a Baldwin resident and executive director of Seatuck, spoke to those in attendance about the American chestnut’s plight. Kids even got a chance to learn about the flying squirrel and demonstrated how it glides through the air.