For Immediate Release
The 2026 White Oak Acorn Collection is underway across Tennessee through November 15! The Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA), Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF), and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Extension are inviting Tennesseans to help collect healthy white oak acorns for future reforestation efforts.
White oak is an important part of Tennessee's forests, providing wildlife habitat and supporting the state's forest products industry. Collected acorns will be grown into seedlings to help sustain this valuable hardwood species for future generations.
How to Collect White Oak Acorns
Before collecting, participants should identify white oak trees (Quercus alba) and look for healthy acorns that have naturally fallen to the ground. Clearing away older or damaged acorns before collecting can help distinguish newly fallen acorns from those that may no longer be viable.
Collectors should follow these guidelines:
Identify white oak trees. Be sure the acorns come from white oak (Quercus alba). Identification resources are available in the collection guide.
Select healthy acorns. Good acorns are brown, have separated caps, and show no cracks, holes, or visible damage. Avoid green acorns, those with caps still attached, and any that rattle or appear hollow.
Use breathable containers. Collect acorns in mesh bags, paper sacks, cardboard boxes, or other breathable containers. Avoid sealed plastic bags.
Label each collection. Include your name, phone number, email address, collection date, location, and species. If possible, keep acorns from different collection sites in separate bags.
Store acorns in a cool location. Refrigerators, basements, cellars, and unheated garages are suitable options. Do not freeze acorns.
Deliver within seven days. Drop off collected acorns at a designated cooler location or ship them to the East Tennessee State Nursery in Delano, Tennessee, within seven days of collection.
Collected acorns will be sent to the East Tennessee State Nursery, where they will be planted and grown into seedlings for future distribution through public sales and reforestation programs across Tennessee.
How to Participate
The 2026 White Oak Acorn Collection runs through November 15, and participation is open to anyone interested in helping support Tennessee's forests.
An online collection resource is available with detailed instructions, a downloadable White Oak Acorn Collection Guide, and an interactive map to help participants find their nearest designated cooler location.
Visit www.tnforestry.com/white-oak-acorn-collection to download the guide and find a collection location.
Participants needing assistance identifying white oak trees or determining suitable collection areas are encouraged to contact their local Area Forester for guidance.
Through this effort, Tennesseans can help secure the ecological and economic benefits of white oak for future generations, supporting healthy forests, wildlife habitats, and sustainable wood products.
Program Partners and Contacts
The 2026 White Oak Acorn Collection is a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Forestry Association, Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Extension. Each organization contributes to the collection effort through education, outreach, and support for the long-term sustainability of Tennessee's white oak resources.
Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA)
Candice Dinwiddie
(615) 883-3832
cdinwiddie@tnforestry.com
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF)
Megan Carpenter
Forestry Communications and Outreach Unit Leader
(615) 487-2704
megan.carpenter@tn.gov
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Extension
Chris Graves
Extension Forestry and Wildlife Specialist
University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources
(865) 974-1568
cagraves@utk.edu
