The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking 13 species of acorns or nuts that can be planted at its Augusta Forestry Center to grow into tree seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow.

During September and early October, it is easy to pick up acorns and nuts in many yards and parking lots, and Virginia residents are being asked to help.

• Try to stay away from trees in the forest, because there may be different species of trees nearby, and the acorns and nuts need to be sorted by species for proper planting.
• Place the acorns and nuts in a breathable sack or bag — no plastic.
• Try to keep as much trash (sticks, leaves, gravel) out as possible.
• It doesn’t matter if acorns still have the caps on them or not.
• On the sack or bag, label the species and date of collection.
• Once the acorns or nuts are collected, place in a cool area until you are ready to drop them off at a VDOF office.
• Acorns and nuts must be delivered to a VDOF office by Oct. 13.

The species the tree nursery needs this year are: Black Oak, Black Walnut, Chinese Chestnut, Chestnut Oak, Live Oak, Northern Red Oak, Pin Oak, Sawtooth Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Swamp White Oak, White Oak and Willow Oak.

Nursery Forester Joshua McLaughlin said, “Donating acorns and nuts to the VDOF nursery is fast and easy, but the tremendous appreciation we have for those who do is long lasting.”

For more information, call Joshua at the Augusta Forestry Center, 540-363-7000.