Collect acorns.

Restore white oaks.

Anyone can help grow white oak trees in Tennessee. Collect acorns in your community October 15 — November 15.

  • Locate an area with white oak and collect acorns in a box, mesh, paper, or similarly breathable bag.

    Look for acorns with separated caps, no cracks, holes, or other visible damage. If it rattles, it’s non-viable.

    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 collection guide.

    Store in cool, not freezing temperature environment (fridge, cellar, basement, garage, etc.).

  • Drop off at a designated cooler location or ship to the East Tennessee State Nursery within 7 days of collecting.

Join us for the 2026 collection October 15 - November 15. See collection guide for instructions.

Find a drop-off location

Collecting viable acorns

  • No caps

    No holes

    Brown

  • Is the cap still attached?

    Are there holes and/or cracks?

    Is it green?

    When you shake it, does it rattle?

    Does it seem hollow?

We need your help!

White oak trees are essential to Tennessee's forests, providing habitat and food for wildlife and supporting the timber industry. However, concerns about their future have led to reforestation efforts aimed at ensuring a sustainable supply.

Learn how to identify and collect acorns.

  • Tennessee Forestry Association