Tennessee Launches White Oak Acorn Collection Program
The state is calling for public participation to help boost the production of white oak seedlings in Tennessee nurseries.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry has initiated its annual statewide white oak acorn collection program. This effort aims to bridge a critical supply gap to support reforestation through the production of native white oak seedlings.
Why it matters
White oak regrowth has significantly declined across Tennessee forests, creating a pressing need for restoration. When seed suppliers cannot meet nursery volume requirements, the state must rely on public collection to ensure enough stock is available for planting.
This marks the sixth year of the statewide collection initiative. The program seeks to supplement seeds for the East Tennessee Nursery, where suppliers have been unable to meet required seedling production volumes.
The players
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry
This state agency is responsible for the management, protection, and promotion of forestry resources across Tennessee.
East Tennessee Nursery
Located in Polk County, this facility specializes in growing tree seedlings to support forest restoration initiatives.
The details
Participants are encouraged to gather and deliver acorns to state nurseries to support forest restoration projects. Those interested in assisting should contact local Tennessee Department of Agriculture area foresters to confirm they are collecting from the correct tree species.
Timeline
Participation in the collection program officially opened on Oct. 20, 2026.
The program is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
The program aligns with a growing emphasis on native species conservation and sustainable reforestation efforts across the state. It represents a shift toward community-driven ecological management as public entities seek to address the decline of white oak populations.
Residents can contribute to regional conservation by gathering acorns and coordinating deliveries with their local forestry office. This process requires identifying specific tree species, ensuring participants remain actively engaged with local forest management practices.
The takeaway
Participating in the acorn drive helps protect the future of Tennessee forests by providing the raw materials needed for successful nursery operations. If you plan to assist, contact a local forester early to ensure you collect the correct white oak variety before the program concludes.
What happens next
The collection window will close on November 15, 2026, at which point the nursery will begin processing the collected acorns for the next growth cycle.
Further reading
For additional context on local agricultural and environmental restoration efforts, explore the Organic Food section.
More information
To learn how to participate or find your local area forester, visit the Tennessee Forestry Association acorn collection webpage.
Live Poll
Would you participate in a community-led project to restore your local forest ecosystem?
