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.

Creek to Bay Cleanup 2018

Last year's event brought in over 6,500 volunteers who helped remove over 170,000 lbs. of litter and debris from 112 locations. At the Lake Hodges location, the DDHPL volunteers filled two dumpsters!

Save the Date!

The 2018 Creek to Bay Cleanup is set for Saturday, April 21st, from 9am-12pm. Don't forget to have the kids enter the "Bling Your Bucket" contest, and everyone can participate in the photo contest!

Registration opens April 1st. Sign up here.

How to Recognize a Less Than Healthy Oak Tree

Stand near the trunk of your tree and look up into the canopy. Crown thinning and dying branches are often the indicator of a GSOB infestation. A healthy Oak will exhibit full thick leaves at the top, but as infestation occurs and progresses, branches and leaves will begin to die and thin. Another beetle (usually the western oak bark beetle) attacks drought stressed trees at in the upper branches. 

Learning to differentiate details about your oak's canopy and trunk are key to evaluating your trees. Doing this at least annually allows one to have enough time to respond and best care for your oaks, before the infestation becomes critical to the tree's health.