New study pinpoints climate conditions for restoring the endangered butternut tree

The butternut tree, a close relative of black walnut prized for its pale wood and wildlife value, is on the brink of disappearing from North American forests. A new study from Virginia Tech offers hope that the species could regain its foothold with help from modern data science. By mapping climate and soil conditions linked to natural disease resistance, researchers are guiding restoration strategies that could help this native species recover across the eastern United States.