Collect Acorns to Secure Tennessee Forests

Everyone—civic organizations, forestry groups, landowners, and citizens—can help secure Tennessee's forests by collecting acorns, preserving the ecological and economic benefits of white oak for future generations. Consult the White Oak (Quercus albus) identification guide so that you can properly identify the correct type of tree and acorn.

Locate an area with White Oaks and collect acorns in a mesh, paper, or similarly breathable bag. Look for acorns with separated caps, no cracks, holes, or other visible damage. On a slip of paper, include your name, phone number, email, collection location, date, and species. Place paper in the bag. If possible, please use separate bags for separate collection locations. Ensure that the acorns collected are from white oak (Quercus alba). Consult the identification video, if needed. Store in cool, not freezing temperature (fridge, cellar, basement, garage, etc.).

Deliver: Drop off at a designated cooler location or ship to the East Tennessee State Nursery within 7 days after collection. In Clarksville/Montgomery County area, you may deliver your acorns to either Caleb LaMontagne or Karla Gargus at the Montgomery County Extension office located at 1030 Cumberland Heights Rd. Caleb’s office is around the back of the building and Karla is in the very front office. If neither of us are here, drop them on with our administrative assistants in the main office.

And yes, to MG’s this will count as volunteer hours!

Best, Karla