13 tons of acorns, chestnuts and walnuts received during annual Virginia Department of Forestry collection

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians donated 13 tons of acorns, chestnuts and walnuts for the Virginia Department of Forestry's (DOF) annual collection in 2025.

In a social media post on Thursday, Nov. 20, the department announced that Virginians have collected and donated 13 tons of acorns, chestnuts and walnuts for the department's annual collection.

DOF said that it is enough to grow 500,000 seedlings.

A department spokesperson said that last month, staff processed all of the acorns and nuts, which included float testing acorns and de-hulling walnuts.

Most of the donations were planted at the department's seedling nursery in Augusta County. The acorns and nuts are planted, then covered with mulch. In the spring, signs of growth can be seen.

In one to two years, they will turn into small seedlings, which can then be bought on the DOF website. The spokesperson said purchases support the nursery so that it can be run without taxpayer funds.

The spokesperson thanked all Virginians who donated their acorns and nuts during the annual collection.