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Oak regeneration, promoting new growth of our oak woodland ecosystem, is a very important component of Project Quercus. All of our oaks are raised and generously donated by Glacier Oaks Nursery. This year, we are asking for your help to collect and
sort acorns that will be used for future oak plantings in McHenry County. It's a great way to get your kids, friends, neighbors or students involved in a worthwhile project!
If you don't have oaks on your property, there are many other places you can go to collect. Look for areas that have been maintained like parks, churches, schools, golf courses, neighbors, etc. It's always good to have permission, and most people will want to help if you explain the program.
Collecting
Begin checking for ripe acorns in late August, when they start dropping to the ground. Acorns are ready when the caps are easily removed without damage to the nut. They may be picked directly from the tree when ripe. Select the largest acorns from the healthiest looking oak trees, and collect only those without signs of cracks, holes, and those that feel hollow.
Identification
Acorns must be identified and labeled with the name of the species (scientific or common). If you are unsure, place a leaf from the oak tree into the bag for identification. They must also be separated based on whether they were collected from an upland or lowland area. (Example: Bur Oak acorns should be in a different bag than Red Oak acorns, and Pin Oak acorns collected from a lowland should be in a different bag than Pin Oak acorns collected from an upland.)
Storage
Remove the caps and check for damage before placing them in a one-quart plastic bag (approx. 100 per bag). Be sure to label each bag with the species name, date collected and general location of collection. Bag must be left partly open to retard sprouting and mildew. Keep the acorns in a cool, dark location. If you are unable to deliver them to our office in Woodstock, give us a call and we will try to pick them up as soon as possible.
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