Acorn & Nut Collection

Acorn and nut collection will take place from September 1 to October 11, 2026. All collections must be dropped off at our "Acorn Station" at the Fairfax City Composting Center (10455 Armstrong St) by the end of that Sunday to ensure donation to the Virginia Department of Forestry on Monday, October 12.

Each year, the Virginia Department of Forestry collects a variety of species of acorns and nuts that can be planted at its Augusta Nursery to grow into tree seedlings. Certain nuts can be difficult to find regionally, and availability changes year to year.

Without the help of volunteers and local seed collection efforts, it's not possible to fill the demand for tree planting projects across the state. That's why the City of Fairfax needs your help to collect seeds this fall.

If you're a private property owner in Fairfax City (such as a homeowner, HOA, religious institution, or commercial property manager) who would like to allow volunteers or staff to collect acorns or nuts on your property, please fill out this form. Filling out the form is not a guarantee seed collection will take place on your property.

Fairfax City Seed Collection Map, the iNaturalist app, or a field guide, such as this one for oaks: Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America. For acorn identification help, check out the Virginia Department of Forestry's Acorn and Nut Identification Guide.