Acorn collection – Fairfax Master Naturalists

The VA Department of Forestry (VDoF) Acorn and Seed Collection Program was established to sustain the native tree population in Virginia by collecting native acorns, raising trees on farms, and reforesting areas that may have been destroyed by fire or disease. This year VDoF has again partnered with Potomac Conservancy’s Tomorrow Tree’s Program, Fairfax Tree Stewards, and Virginia Master Naturalists to improve the quality of the collection. VDoF’s Community Forester for Fairfax, provided training to the above coalition, designed to help identify correct seed types and collection methods. Please check-out VDoF’s sustainability program for details and a chart of acorn types collected.

Mt Vernon collection Bin – photo Jerry Nissley

In an effort to expand collection sites, we are pleased that Supervisor Storck has offered space at the Mt. Vernon Government Center to host an Acorn Collection Bin. Mt. Vernon’s Potomac Corridor is rich with heritage oak trees in prime maturity that are producing quality seeds, so this bin is a welcome addition to the network.

A link to the complete list of collection locations and a signup sheet is shown at the bottom of the article.

VDoF seed collection season is approximately 1 Sep through 15 Oct.
Collection bags, sized for 5 or 10 lbs, are available on location in limited supply. Brown paper bags are also accepted in the Collection Bin.
Collection requirements:
1. Please DO NOT collect acorns in plastic bags. Acorns will mildew and spoil.
2. Please separate different acorn types into separate bags and include a leaf from the tree to help with positive identification.
3. Please label the bag with type of acorn, collection date, and collection site (zip code at least)

Links:

drop-off site locations: https://tomorrows-trees.org/find-a-dropoff/

Collection bin Locations: