We received this sad news from SUNY ESF:
The College of Environmental Science and Forestry is deeply saddened to share the news of Dr. William “Bill” Powell’s passing. A complete obituary is available here.
Bill’s work to restore the American chestnut tree to the landscape will be his legacy. He was a dedicated researcher and educator remembered for his warm and generous spirit. He fostered an environment of teamwork and collaboration across the ESF campus and the greater research community to restore the American chestnut to the landscape.
Bill came to ESF in 1989 and founded the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project with his colleague Dr. Charles Maynard to bring the American chestnut tree back from the brink of extinction. He spent the next 34 years working toward that goal. During that time, he mentored countless students who took his classes and worked in his lab, many of whom continue to bring his work to fruition. His research will not only restore the American chestnut but lays the foundation for the restoration of other tree species.
In 2022, Dr. Andrew “Andy” Newhouse was appointed director of the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project. Under Andy’s leadership, the project continues to build on Bill’s transformative contributions to realize the goal of restoring the iconic American chestnut tree to the landscape.
Thank you to our many alumni who have supported Dr. Powell’s groundbreaking work over the years. Today, ESF’s team of researchers is closer than ever to restoring the American Chestnut species and are committed to carrying out Dr. Powell’s legacy. Visit the project website to learn more about their current work.