Starting oaks from acorns

Starting oak trees from acorns is the first step to help replenish our native oak population, and here we'll document our process of germination, transplanting and managing growth and health.

Part 1

Acorns in a Flat

Start your acorns in a flat. Use an empty flat turned upside down as a cover, to protect from the elements and hungry squirrels.

Starting to Sprout

Roots growing out the bottom

Ready to transplant!

Acorns that are pushed up by the root are ready for planting.

More information and photos will be posted here as our process continues. Follow us on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter for updates.

Project Update: Feb 2018

Project Update

In addition to our ongoing maintenance around Lake Hodges, we are continuing with the removal of tamarisk and planting of natives. The New Haven House for at-risk youth volunteered and racked up some community service hours with participation in five work parties. Their added efforts helped the DDHPL plant over 1,000 native oaks, sycamores and (primarily) mulefat. Thank you for your hard work!

We'd also like to thank those who contributed acorns in December. Click here to see them sprouting.

What's Up With the Orange?

These are Mulefat "poles", building up their roots to get ready for planting. After planting, the orange color indicates what the plant species is and helps us find them amongst other plants. This is a more efficient and cost effective marking method than the colored flags.

GSOB Map - June 2017

GSOB in Del Dios & Mt Israel

The following map images show oak tree evaluation results through June, 2017.

You may also download a pdf image of the full map.

Each dot represents an oak tree. Color legend:

Red = High Risk

Orange = Lower Risk

Green = Healthy

Yellow = Problem Tree

Purple w/ Black Outline = Removal Candidate

Click images to enlarge.

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Got Oaks? (Maybe) Not for Long - MEETING JUNE 7th

Help Save Our Oak Trees

GSOB has been confirmed in Del Dios & Mt Israel

Join us Wednesday June 7th
6:30-8:30 pm
at the Old Del Dios Fire House
20155 Elm Lane

If you love our community oak trees, please come to an expert panel presentation. GSOB, Golden Spotted Oak Borer, has now reached Escondido. This is the beetle devastating the oaks in Julian and much of East County. Since its discovery in 2008, GSOB is responsible for the death of over 100,000 oak trees in San Diego County, with the number growing every day.
 
What can we do to save our trees? Education, early detection and response is key to managing the health of the oak trees. Come hear the best available science and management practices from state level experts: 

• Dr. Tom Scott:  UC Riverside - Conservation Biologist and primary research associate on GSOB for 8+ years
• Kevin Turner Southern California Invasive Pest Coordinator, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Kevin holds the reins on addressing the devastation this insect brings to our oaks. 

 
In researching GSOB, there are many opinions about what can and cannot be done.  Some say nothing can be done – just let the trees die and contain the wood on site to prevent the further spread of GSOB.  Others suggest using good horticulture, chemical sprays, tree injections and even herbal teas. This leaflet link is the most current and definitive source on GSOB:
 https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3833276.pdf
 
 
Further information and a Hands On work shop with professional arborist will happen later in June. 
 
See our GSOB Information & Updates page for more information.
 
Stacy McCline
President and Founder
Del Dios Habitat Protection League