West Virginia Will Relocate Historic Trees for AI Data Center
NScale plans to move chestnut and chinquapin trees to enable the construction of an AI-focused utility grid.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The West Virginia government and NScale will relocate historic trees from the former Clements State Tree Nursery to accommodate a new artificial intelligence infrastructure site. The project, announced as part of NScale's acquisition of up to 2,250 acres, is slated for completion in late 2027.
Why it matters
This move highlights the growing physical footprint of large-scale AI infrastructure projects in West Virginia. By preserving specific chestnut and chinquapin genetics, officials aim to balance industrial development with local environmental preservation efforts.
NScale has secured up to 2,250 acres of land in Mason County for the development of a state-certified utility grid designed for AI workloads. The current site, formerly the Clements State Tree Nursery, contains chestnut and chinquapin trees that will be relocated during their dormant phase.
The players
NScale
An infrastructure firm specializing in the development of utility-scale power and data centers for AI workloads.
The American Chestnut Foundation
A non-profit research and conservation organization dedicated to restoring the American chestnut tree to its native range.
The details
Preservation efforts involve using grafts and seedlings to maintain the genetic integrity of the chestnut and chinquapin trees currently on the site. State personnel and representatives from The American Chestnut Foundation assessed the property to facilitate the move. Existing mature trees will be transplanted to a different environment within the same acreage to clear space for the forthcoming artificial intelligence utility grid.
Timeline
2021: The Clements State Tree Nursery ceased operations.
2026: NScale secured the 2,250-acre property for grid development.
Late 2027: Tree relocation work is scheduled to occur during the dormant phase.
The Tech Race
This development follows the 2021 closure of the Clements State Tree Nursery and signals a pivot toward high-density power infrastructure for AI. It demonstrates how industrial-scale data needs are re-purposing legacy state land assets to meet modern AI demand.
Residents of Mason County will see the former nursery site transformed into a high-capacity utility grid intended for AI operations by the end of 2027. The project requires no action from the public, though the survival of the relocated trees will be monitored by the state and environmental partners.
The takeaway
The project serves as a test case for how AI infrastructure developers can navigate environmental mitigation requirements on large-scale brownfield sites. Stakeholders should track the 2027 relocation results as a benchmark for future land development in the state.
What happens next
Tree relocation work is scheduled to take place during the dormant phase in late 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence developments and their impact on regional infrastructure.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCHS.
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