When it comes to reforestation, you might say that mighty welcome oaks from tiny acorns grow, and in so growing, can bring back Delaware's woodlands.
This time of year, when there are places where acorns cover the ground, the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Delaware Private Lands Assistance Program is seeking volunteers to help collect them during the 3rd Annual Acorn Collection Day, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 20.
Photo by Jason Barkus
Brownie Troop #250 stood tall at last year's Acorn Collection Day for Delaware reforestation. Collecting at Brecknock Park in Camden were, from left to right, Shelby Rundle, Emma Mondo, Danielle Paugh, Samantha Stetzar, Grace Wieczorek and Marisa Marts.
The acorns will germinate into saplings used for reforestation practices on private land through the Division’s Landowner Incentive Program. Native trees such as oaks are planted to expand forest blocks and riparian buffers specifically for Delaware's species at risk. Native plants such as oaks also tend to be well adapted to Delaware's soil types, temperatures and moisture regimes, unlike non-native species.
Last year’s Acorn Collection Day yielded 21 pounds of acorns that could produce 1,638 oak trees for planting across the state.
Three collection sites, one in each county, will host volunteers who turn out and join the Division of Fish & Wildlife in habitat-restoration efforts for Delaware:
New Castle County
Rockford Park
West 19th Street and Tower Road, Wilmington
- Meet in front of Rockford Tower
Kent County
Smyrna Rest Area
5500 Dupont Parkway, Smyrna
- Meet at the building entrance
Sussex County
Trap Pond State Park
,
- Meet at the Baldcypress Nature Center
Collection materials will be provided along with a free gift for volunteers. Each volunteer will also be giving materials to grow their own oak tree. While pre-registration will guarantee that volunteers receive their supplies for acorn collecting, walk-ups on collection day are also welcome.
To register or for more information, please contact Lara Allison, Delaware Private Lands Assistance Program, at 302-735-3600 or email lara.allison@state.de.us.
