Tennessee asks for acorns to boost efforts to regrow white oak trees
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Tennessee wants your acorns.
- State forestry officials are asking residents to collect acorns from their backyards to help support efforts to grow the next generation of white oak trees.
Why it matters: White oaks are a key pillar of the state's forest-based economy, which generates billions of dollars and includes recreation, tourism, hunting and logging.
- But new growth has declined in Tennessee's forests, and seed suppliers haven't been able to meet the needs of the state nursery that grows white oak seedlings for restoration.
What's happening: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and a coalition of other groups launched the Tennessee White Oak Initiative to address the problem.
- Residents, civic groups and large property owners can pitch in by collecting acorns and sending them in through Nov. 15.
Zoom in: There is more information on how to harvest, store and submit the right kind of acorns on the Tennessee Forestry Association site.
How it works: The collection program, now in its sixth year, supplements the seed supply at the nursery so it can grow more seedlings.
Fun fact: Seeds collected in the wild tend to produce larger, stronger seedlings, according to the state.
The big picture: The slowing growth of new white oak trees is a national problem.
- Federal data shows that while there are many mature white oaks in our forests nationwide, there are relatively few seedlings and saplings that will replace them in the future.
Between the lines: The USDA said invasive species, changes in land use and climate change are contributing factors.
If you collect acorns: You can send them directly to the East Tennessee Nursery in Polk County or drop them off at 10 collection sites across the state.
- The closest collection sites in Middle Tennessee are in Dickson County.
- The mailing address for the state nursery is 9063 Highway 411 Delano, TN 37325.