More than a dozen people helped plant 10 American chestnut trees near Bertrand Township Hall Saturday afternoon, despite poor weather conditions that included wind, rain and cold temperatures.

Tom Wrasse, a member of the American Chestnut Foundation, said it will take about seven years before the trees begin producing chestnuts.

The planting is part of an effort spearheaded by Wrasse to revive the population of the tree species, which was nearly wiped out due to blight in the early to mid-1900s.

Wrasse said the trees planted in Bertrand Township are approximately 70 percent resistant to the blight, which can be spread by birds, bugs and the wind.

The township board voted unanimously to approve planting the trees on township land earlier this year.

Wrasse donated the trees and the First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan donated materials.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 541 helped plant Saturday.