The oak trees in our area are enthusiastically producing acorns this year. Scientists have many theories as to the reason for mast year events. Oaks are a keystone species critical to life in Louisiana. To celebrate this event, join us in planting native oaks.Â
Investigate the oaks living near you. Snap a picture. Note growing conditions such as sunlight and soil. Collect acorns and leaves. Are any galls apparent on the tree? Are there any signs of insect or animal activity?
Compare your tree to images from the internet to identify your oak and learn about their living requirements.Â
Read The Nature of Oaks by Douglas Tallamy. Watch Nature of Oaks with Douglas Tallamy. Keep a journal of your tree’s life.
Check out some of Louisiana’s most impressive oaks at the 100 Oaks Project.Â
Plant a tree!Â
Collect acorns of the tree of your choice. Test the acorns for viability by placing them in a glass of water. Acorns that sink are hopefully viable. The acorns that float may have been eaten by a creature or decayed.Â
Place your fresh acorns outside in a pot or in the ground to the depth of two times the thickness of the acorn. Keep the soil moist.Â
Start an acorn collection. These fascinating promises of the future are impressively designed. The cap is a magnificent example of the Fibonacci sequence.
Visit The Louisiana Arboretum.
Louise Prejean - retired teacher, goatherder, and proud ANPP memberÂ