VA seeks acorns, seeds to preserve native trees

from AP - -RICHMOND, Va. (AP) The Virginia Department of Forestry is asking Virginians to help preserve native trees by collecting acorns and seeds from 11 species.

Officials say the best time to collect acorns is the last week in September through the first week of October and that lawns or paved areas are ideal collection sites

The most-needed species are: Alleghany Chinkapin; Chinese Chestnut; Hazelnut; Black Oak; Chestnut Oak; Northern Red Oak; Pin Oak; Sawtooth Oak; White Oak; Willow Oak, and Black Walnut.

Nursery forester Josh McLaughlin says those interested in collecting acorns or seeds should not use plastic bags to hold them or combine different species in the same bag. Collectors also should identify the species on the bag before delivering them to the nearest department office.