That pile of acorns covering your yard could help grow Virginia's next generation of trees.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is asking residents to collect and donate acorns and walnuts this fall. The agency will plant and nurture the seeds at its Augusta Nursery before selling the resulting seedlings to landowners.
This year's collection includes a major change: Donations will be accepted only at 25 designated locations across Virginia. The department consolidated its collection sites to make drop-offs easier for the public, reduce wasted donations and simplify transportation and processing.
Residents can find the full list and map of 2026 acorn and nut drop-off locations on the Department of Forestry's website. The same page includes the department's Acorn and Nut Identification Guide, which includes photos and information to help residents identify different species.
"It can't be overstated how much we appreciate the annual collection efforts of community groups, schools, families and volunteers," State Forester Terry Lasher said in a statement. "Working with several partners and localities, we are streamlining our fall collection efforts to provide carefully selected drop-off locations."
Residents should collect whole, uncracked acorns and keep different species separated. Place donations in paper bags or cardboard boxes, not plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
Label each container with the collection date, species and location where the nuts were gathered. If you're unsure of the species, include several leaves from the tree to help forestry staff identify it.
The department recommends collecting from yards, sidewalks and driveways where the tree of origin is easier to identify. Residents should only collect on property where they have permission and should avoid collecting near roadways.
Donations should be kept in a cool location and delivered as soon as possible.
The deadline is 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Collection sites will accept donations in marked outdoor bins.
The donated seeds are particularly valuable because trees grown from Virginia-collected seed are already suited to the state's climate. Donations also reduce the amount the Department of Forestry must spend purchasing seed for its nursery operations.
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