White Oak Acorn Collecting

Collections from the southern end of white oak’s geographic range (i.e. Mississippi) are important because they will have genetic material not found in the core part of the range, and they will provide important information about response to climate change as genetic material moves northward. Dr. Laura DeWald with University of Kentucky has been leading the White Oak Genetics and Tree Improvement Project, whose primary goal is the development of vigorous, fast-growing white oak seedlings that are good competitors with other species when planted for reforestation or within an existing forest to enhance regeneration. The eventual outcome of this project will be a sustainable supply of acorns that will produce high quality acorns for Mississippi.

The White Oak Genetics and Tree Improvement Project will host a planting work day in northern MS near Chulahoma all day on March 21st. Exit 30 off I-22 in Holly Springs, west on Hwy 4 and then North on Jason Patrick Road. Interested volunteers should dress in layers and hiking boots that can get muddy, sunscreen, hat, work gloves. No additional equipment is required. Water and snacks will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged tobring their own lunch and a folding chair for extended breaks. This planting is part of a network across the eastern US and is Nationally recognized. Volunteers will be promoting sustainability of white oak.

You can contact Dr. DeWald at Laura.DeWald@uky.ed for more information and specific directions to the work site.

If you are interested in collecting acorns as a part of this project, please refer to this page.