PBS Films Reinhardt Research Efforts
When the PBS series America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell learned of Reinhardt University’s American Chestnut tree research and revitalizing efforts, they wanted to feature it in one of their shows. On November 10, 2025, a full production crew accompanied host and acclaimed rock-and-roll piano player Chuck Leavell to an orchard on a farm owned by Reinhardt trustee Dr. Austin Flint and emerita professor Bea Flint. Blight nearly eradicated the American Chestnut in the 20th century, and efforts at the Flint’s two orchards aim to discover how to restore it and ensure its survival.
“One of the things that makes Dr. Flint’s orchards so unique is that we’re used to experimental orchards being on university campuses or on state or federally owned land, but this is privately-owned land,” explained Executive Producer Kate Raisz. “The scientists are coming from Reinhardt University to do the work, but on a private property that spans generations. We’re now looking at Dr. Flint’s great-grandchild who will hopefully carry on this tradition of keeping the forest alive.”
During the filming, Leavell interviewed Vinny Varsalona (RU-Dec. 2025), Reinhardt Biology Instructor Kylie Stover (RU-2019), and Dr. Austin Flint, to learn about the orchard’s history, their hybridization and inoculation efforts, and their hope for the revival of the iconic tree.
Varsalona, a biology major, chose to attend Reinhardt specifically because of the orchard. For the past four years, he conducted maintenance and experiments, learned how to manage a scientific orchard, and engaged both the scientific and local community with the orchards. He presented his research at three conferences including the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF)’s Chestnut Symposium, held two internships with TACF, and is mentoring and training other Reinhardt students at the orchard to continue the mission. In January, he begins pursuing a Ph.D. in Forest Pathology at Virginia Tech.
Stover, who became involved in the orchard as a Reinhardt student, now serves as its manager and engages her students in its mission. She executes strategic decisions made by Dr. Flint who works closely with TACF. “Dr. Flint is very generous to share his time, property, and equipment with students at Reinhardt so we can pursue research topics and get hands-on experience in the field,” exclaimed Varsalona.
Raisz hopes the show raises awareness for the American Chestnut, so that it will flourish again in the future. The episode will air in 2026, but dates have not been determined.
URL: https://www.reinhardt.edu/news/pbs-films-reinhardt-research-efforts/
