Young naturalists from Mrs. Kirby’s 3rd grade class at Kling Elementary present a basketful of 295 acorns to Karen Stanley of the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). The children collected their acorns during a habitat study program at Boxerwood Nature Center. According to Boxerwood Education Director Elise Sheffield, more than fifteen third-grade classrooms have participated in the project this fall. (submitted photo)

Area Third Graders Gift VDOF With Acorns   This fall, all 3rd graders in the the Rockbridge County, Lexington, and Buena Vista schools have been collecting acorns at Boxerwood for the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). The children collected their acorns during a habitat study program at Boxerwood Nature Center. “The students learn that oaks provide food and shelter for many types of wildlife and that they protect soil, filter water, and create oxygen too,” explains Elise Sheffield, Director of Education. The acorns will travel to the VDOF nursery at Crimora for planting and subsequent relocation to sites across the state. “It’s a fun stewardship project,” adds Sheffield, “the kids know Boxerwood got started because one man loved to plant trees; this activity gives them a way to 'pay it forward' by gathering acorns for new forests.” According to Sheffield, more than fifteen third-grade classrooms have participated in the project this fall.

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