Resource person: Research Ecologist Tom Simpson tsimpson@mccdistrict.org

Description:

Do you have acorns in your backyard? Consider donating them! Your acorn/nut donations will contribute to reforestation efforts and our on-going research on oak reproduction.

We are most interested in oak acorns (any native species), but would also like hickory nuts and hazelnuts if you find them. If you see acorns/nuts on the ground, it means they are ripe and can be collected from the ground or directly from any low branches if available. Hazelnuts are ready to collect when the husks are turning brown.

Drop-off Information:

Drop off donations at the Lost Valley Visitor Center, 6310 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL (Google Maps link). A staff member will be available in the lobby to receive donations.

Donations will be accepted only during specified drop-off times. Please make sure to:

• Thoroughly dry and bag acorns/nuts prior to dropping them off. 
• Keep each species separate. If you're unsure of the species, place a leaf from the tree in the bag.
• Donate only from naturally occurring trees within McHenry County. 
• Note the date collected and general location from which the donation was collected. 

Where Can I Collect?

• Please collect only from tree/shrubs on your own property or with the permission of the landowner.   
• Along public trails and parking lots of McHenry County Conservation District sites. (Note: You may not go off-trail or collect any other species, and yes, our police stop to check!)

Tips for Collection:

• Look for trees overhanging driveways, roads, or mowed grass. It will be easier to find the acorns/nuts!
• Bur oak acorns should fall in time for the August drop-offs, and white oak acorns should fall in time for the September drop-offs.
• If you don’t know which oak it is, send us pictures! Questions can be sent to Tom Simpson at TSimpson@mccdistrict.org. 

What if I can't make the drop-off times?

• You may bring donations to one of our Community Conservation restoration days and the staff member in charge will get it to the right place.
  • Mondays - 11am-1pm - Nippersink Conservation Community (Contact Jackie Bero at jbero@mccdistrict.org)
  • Thursdays - 3pm-5pm - Cary Conservation Community (Contact Kevin Scheiwiller at kscheiwiller@mccdistrict.org)
  • Fridays - 1pm-3pm - Woodstock Conservation Community (Contact Elyse Leannais eleannais@mccdistrict.org) 
• If none of the above times works for you, contact Jackie Bero at jbero@mccdistrict.org to coordinate a drop-off. 

Price: $0.00 Taxes waived

Notes: Donations will NOT be accepted outside of specified drop-off times or if donations are wet/damp.

Prerequisites: Any member of the public can participate!

Tags: Volunteer

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