Seed Collection at Historic Blenheim

Historic Blenheim is home to dozens of beautiful, mature trees that can provide insight into the past—and also provide seeds for the future.

Join the city's urban forestry and historic resources staff for a special seed collection event to discover how trees shaped lives and landscapes, and to collect walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns to grow into tree seedlings.

How did trees influence life at Historic Blenheim? Is it easy to grow trees from seed? Attendees of this event will help to collect seeds for donation to the Virginia Department of Forestry.

The day will begin with a brief orientation to the site and its history, a tree identification walk, and information on how attendees can participate in the city's seed collection effort this fall (Sept 1. - Oct. 14).​

Families and individuals will then be able to collect seeds on their own from the property's walnut grove, Chinese chestnut tree, and mature oak trees scattered across the landscape. Staff will help to "float test" acorns to check if they can be planted.

A table with children's activities will feature leaf rubbing, coloring, and take-home recipes to explore the various uses of foraged nuts.

This event requires registration, and spots are limited. Families should register together as a single attendee.

Host or Publisher City of Fairfax Urban Forestry