How well do you know native acorns and seeds?

Native trees don't just deliver a treat in the form of fall foliage this time of year. They also cover the ground with their acorns and seeds, which are more important to the Potomac River than you might realize.

Today’s acorns are tomorrow’s forest, after all. And any healthy river, including the Potomac, relies on streamside trees for protection.

The protective trees that line our local rivers and streams filter pollution, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.

That’s why we’re helping nature along! Over the last decade, nearly 56,000 volunteers have collected over 164,000 pounds of acorns, walnuts, and other hardwood tree seeds as part of our Growing Native program. The nuts have been used to grow seedlings that are planted along vulnerable streams.

So how good are you at identifying native nuts and seeds? Take our quiz to find out, and if you want to do your part for local trees, sign up to volunteer at a Growing Native event this fall!

Click the arrows on the right to see the clues. The answer is revealed on the last slide. Good luck!