Seed Collection at Historic Blenheim

Next date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

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 and oak acorns to grow into tree seedlings.

Event information

How did trees influence life at Historic Blenheim? Is it easy to grow trees from seed?

Attendees of this event will help to collect walnuts and acorns 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. 15).

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

Registration

This event has limited spots. Please register in advance on Eventbrite: Seed Collection at Historic Blenheim

Attendees will receive a seed collection kit to take home at the end of the event.

Acorn and nut collection

Seed collection in the city will take place from September 1 to October 14, 2025. All collections must be dropped off at our "Acorn Station" at the Fairfax City Composting Center (10455 Armstrong St) before October 15, 2025, to ensure donation to the Virginia Department of Forestry. Visit our Acorn & Nut Collection page to learn how you can help with the effort.

Visit the Civil War Interpretive Center

Stay after the event to visit the Civil War Interpretative Center, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A guided house tour will take place at 1 p.m. The house is ADA accessible on the first floor.