NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Looking for something to do that’s fun for the whole family and good for the environment? The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry has just the thing.

It’s that time of year when the division calls for help from Tennesseans with white oak acorn collection. Every year, the East Tennessee Nursery in Polk County grows white oak seedlings to help with natural regeneration in forests across the state. However, seed suppliers have struggled to meet demand. That’s where you and your family can help.

Get the full 2025 white oak acorn collection guide here

First, you’ll need to be able to identify white oak trees. They’re characterized by leaves between five and nine inches long that don’t have spikes and are bright green on one side and pale on the other. White oak bark is often light gray, soft to touch and peels in strips. The tree canopy is large with broad branches.

Once you have your white oak tree, use a breathable container — such as a cardboard box, mesh bag, or burlap sack — to collect your acorns. Look for acorns that don’t have caps, holes or other visible damage.

There are two locations in Middle Tennessee where you can take a day trip to drop off your acorns within seven days of collection. The forestry division asks that you call in advance to let staff know you’re coming:

• The Lewis State Forest cooler at 1545 Waynesboro Highway in Hohenwald. Their number is (731) 796-2721.

• The Cannon County cooler at County 2718 Red Hill Road in Morrison. Their number is (615) 765-2721.

You can also ship your acorns to the East Tennessee Nursery. Their mailing address is 9063 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325.

The Tennessee White Oak Initiative is a partnership among the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry, the East Tennessee Nursery, the University of Tennessee Extension and the Tennessee Forestry Association.

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“This initiative is part of a large-scale effort to address the dropping rates of white oak regrowth in Tennessee’s forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “White oaks are a critical part of Tennessee’s forests and play an invaluable role in our ecosystems and economies. What is unique about this particular initiative is that it is open to everyone — you don’t have to own wooded land to help collect acorns that will become the giant oaks of the future.”

The collection season runs through Nov. 15.

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