RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is currently accepting acorns, black walnuts, and chestnuts to support the state’s tree nurseries.
To participate, residents of the Commonwealth should place collected nuts in paper bags or cardboard boxes, label them with the date, species, and collection location, and drop them off at any VDOF office.
The best time for seed collection is during September and October in most areas of the state. Try to stay away from trees in the forest. It’s often difficult to identify where the seed came from if there are many different species of trees nearby. Look for healthy trees; avoid trees that have bulges or insect infestation. For collection, plastic bags should NOT be used.
The VDOF encourages participants to review its guide to collecting nuts for seedlings before making a drop-off.
The guide may be accessed at https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/FT0011-Seeking-Acorns-and-Nuts-to-Grow-Seedlings.pdf.
Collections will be accepted at VDOF offices until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2025.
To find your nearest VDOF office, click HERE.