See an acorn on the ground? Go ahead and pick it up — you could save the trees.

The Virginia Department of Forestry collects acorns and nuts that can be planted at the Augusta Nursery in Crimora. The tree seedlings will then grow into mature trees throughout Virginia.

How will it help Virginia?

The collection of these plants is necessary to plant trees throughout Virginia. Many of the acorns and nuts that fall in cities and towns never become trees, so this process of collecting and donating allows them to become saplings and help with restoration throughout the state.

What should I be looking for?

The DOF has an identification card for the community to use when looking for different acorns and nuts in Northern Virginia.

If you live in Fairfax County, there’s also a Fairfax City collection map that helps outline places for you to hunt for acorns and nuts. So embrace your inner squirrel and get looking.

How do I prepare the acorns and nuts for drop-off?

How should you prepare your acorns and nuts for drop off? Here are the three steps:

Place the acorns and nuts into a paper bag or cardboard box. Plastic bags are not allowed.
Mark the bag with the date of collection, species of the acorn/nut, and the location of the collection. If you don't know the species, include a leaf to help the DOF with identification.
Deliver the bag to the closest Department of Forestry location.

Where can I drop off acorns and nuts in NOVA?

You have until Monday, Oct. 13, to drop off the acorns and nuts around Northern Virginia.

Arlington County: Potomac Overlook Regional Park Drop Off Site
Alexandria: Winkler Botanical Preserve Drop Off Site
Fairfax County: Fairfax City Composting Center
Loudoun County: Walker Nature Center Drop Off Site
Prince William County: Walker Nature Center Drop Off Site

There are other sites that you can check out. Find the best seed drop-off location for you here.

If you want to get in contact with your forester, search for who to contact here.