Scientists cultivate disease-resistant elms to restore iconic trees across New England

In Vermont, a team led by U.S. Forest Service ecologist Leila Wilson partnered with The Nature Conservancy Vermont to expose 6,000 young elm trees to Dutch elm disease spores, seeking individuals that can survive the pathogen. Those that endure will be transferred to a seed orchard, where they will mature for about 15 years and produce seeds for a breeding program designed to broaden the genetic base of resistant elms.

The initiative aims to replant the species in forests, riparian zones and city streets, restoring the ecological functions elms provide, such as flood mitigation and water regulation. Forest Service researcher Kathleen Knight highlighted the trees’ role in buffering extreme weather, while The Nature Conservancy’s Gus Goodwin noted their cultural significance in New England towns. Arborist Joseph Ferris, standing beside a historic elm in Montpelier, called the project a hopeful sign for urban and rural tree restoration.