Help the VA Forestry Preserve the Tree Stock

 

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s annual fall acorn collection campaign is underway. This is your chance to get out in the nice weather and help the Virginia Department of Forestry grow our future forests. According to State Forester Rob Farrell “Your donations help our nurseries grow trees with genetics that thrive when later planted in the Commonwealth’s forests and communities. Collecting can be educational and provides a fun group activity. Help us ensure our future forests are here for generations to come.”

Acorns, black walnuts and chestnuts are now falling across Virginia. Unfortunately, as there are fewer and fewer open forests, many of these acorns falling in our yards, sidewalks and parking lots will never grow into trees, especially those in cities and towns and along roadways. That’s where you come in.

This year, as in years past, the Virginia Department of Forestry is asking the public to help in preserving Virginia species by collecting acorns and nuts and delivering them to the nearest forestry department office. Virginians can help preserve native tree species by collecting acorns and nuts from 17 needed species, especially the first 4. Acorns and nuts must be received by October 15.

Bag ‘em! – Place acorns in a paper bag or cardboard box (no plastic bags!)

Tag ‘em! – Mark the bag or box with the date, species (e.g.; black oak) and location (e.g.; Roanoke) If you are not sure of the species simply include a leaf from the tree in the bag.

Drop ‘em! – Drop them off at your closest DOF location Please keep acorns and nuts separated by species. If you’re not sure of the species, just drop a leaf from the tree into the bag with the acorns.

You can drop off acorns and nuts at any DOF office location by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Collection areas will be designated outside each office. Just use the “Find a Forester” tool on the DOF home page to find the office nearest you: Welcome to the Virginia Department of Forestry Virginia Department of Forestry

They  appreciate and accept all donations, but our species “wish list” for this year includes the following 17 species especially the first 4! Go to the Acorn and Nut Identification Guide from the Virginia Department of Forestry for pictures of different acorns and nuts. Remember you can just include a tree leaf in your bag. 

• *Black Oak
• *Black Walnut
• *Chestnut Oak
• *White Oak
• Bur Oak
• Cherrybark Oak
• Chinese Chestnut
• Chinkapin Oak  
• Pin Oak  
• Northern Red Oak
• Southern Red Oak
• Shumard Oak Swamp
• Chestnut Oak  
• Swamp White Oak  
• Water Oak
• Willow Oak
• Overcup Oak

Healthy, sustainable forests are essential to our economy, wildlife and people. The Virginia Department of Forestry monitors forest health and assists landowners through technical assistance and management planning to support sustainable forestry practices. Nurseries grow and sell seedlings to help develop future forests.