An Abundance of Acorns

“For weeks, acorns were pelting the roof. I needed a hardhat to walk outside!” said San Juan Island resident, Deanna Sundstrom, in recollection of this fall’s massive production of acorns. Nut trees, like Garry oaks, periodically experience hyper-abundant seasons called “mast” years. And although scientists remain unclear on what exactly prompts a masting event, the opportunity it presents wasn’t lost on oak-loving islanders.

The windfall event this year galvanized volunteers from around the County to collect and plant upwards of 7,000 acorns. Activities occurred across Land Bank preserves on San Juan, Henry, Lopez, and Orcas Island. Crew members from the Samish Indian Nation and the Islands Conservation Corps also joined the effort, and supported Land Bank staff in additional oak habitat restoration such as thinning young conifers, burning small slash piles, and planting thousands of wildflower plugs, camas and brodiaea bulbs, all home-grown at our Salish Seed nursery.

Garry oak restoration has been a key component of Land Bank conservation efforts for decades. These habitats have been severely reduced in their range; are noted for their exceptional biological diversity; and hold special importance for Tribes and First Nations. This year’s mast event, in combination with so many eager, helping hands, will expand the areas where oak trees exist.

“We’re planting for the future,” volunteer Jane Wentworth said of the broad initiative. “As climate change causes forests to contract, these oaks will be mature enough to produce their own acorns and hopefully be there to fill the gaps.”

Would you like the opportunity to plant acorns, (or other trees and shrubs), on a Land Bank preserve? Join a planting party in the New Year! For more information, email Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, Tanja Williamson at tanjaw@sjclandbank.org.