The Oak Project
@jbobyak1.bsky.social
We're restoring Southern California's native oak population, & you can help. Join us as we gather acorns, propagate seedlings, plant young trees & spread the word. Learn more at https://reoakcalifornia.com/. Contact founder Jim Crouch at jbobyak2@gmail.com
Englemann oaks are classified as threatened because of habitat loss. Restoring Englemanns, which are native to just a small section of Southern California and northern Baja, is part of The Oak Project’s focus. Seedlings being raised in pots now will be ready for distribution in early 2026. #oaks
November 8, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Englemann oaks are classified as threatened because of habitat loss. Restoring Englemanns, which are native to just a small section of Southern California and northern Baja, is part of The Oak Project’s focus. Seedlings being raised in pots now will be ready for distribution in early 2026. #oaks
Oaks are a "keystone species," providing sustenance, shelter & habitat for countless animal & insect species. They were also a key food source for the Kumeyaay & many other Native American tribes in Southern California, as noted in this San Dieguito River Park display near Lake Hodges. #oaks #trees
October 30, 2025 at 6:35 PM
A big coast live oak can produce thousands of acorns a year. In bountiful "mast" years, they can grow 10,000. Oak Project founder Jim Crouch says it appears many So Cal oaks shed acorns early this year, perhaps due to a lack of winter rain. Pictured is a huge tree near Lake Hodges. #trees #oaks
October 28, 2025 at 11:25 PM
A harvest in Valley Center on Thursday yielded more than 100 viable acorns from coast live oaks & scrub oaks. Harvesting today near Julian should bring in tons of Englemann oak acorns. With generous financial donations also in hand, our seedling count should top 12,000 by spring. #trees #oaks
October 24, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Oak Project volunteers are out on harvesting ventures again this week. Donors in Valley Center, Ramona and Julian (pictured) say they have plenty of ripe acorns for the picking. After tests for viability, the successful sprouts will be potted and be ready for distribution in early 2026. #trees #oaks
October 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Oak Project volunteers are out on harvesting ventures again this week. Donors in Valley Center, Ramona and Julian (pictured) say they have plenty of ripe acorns for the picking. After tests for viability, the successful sprouts will be potted and be ready for distribution in early 2026. #trees #oaks
An oak grove can feel as sacred as a cathedral. This one on the Bobcat Trail in Escondido’s Daley Ranch today was just heavenly. It was encouraging, too, to see plenty of healthy saplings below the canopy. The Oak Project aims to keep oaks around for future generations in California. #trees #oaks
October 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is home to some fine groves of coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). One of the many reasons The Oak Project aims to restore oaks in Southern California is the habitat the trees provide for countless bird, animal and insect species. #trees #oaks
October 18, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway is loaded with lovely coast live oaks that shade many of the park’s trails. This is a fine example of what The Oak Project aims to preserve and restore. Oaks are a vital part of many Southern California ecosystems, bringing countless benefits. #oaks #trees
October 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Connections are sprouting! Donors in Pine Hills, Wynola, Sutherland Lake & Volcan Mountain have offered acorns for The Oak Project's propagation efforts. Along with a growing crop of financial supporters, the goal of raising 20,000 seedlings for distribution in 2026 looks doable. #oaks #trees
October 15, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Another bountiful harvest: Oak Project volunteers picked 445 viable acorns from Kim Smith's very productive Englemann near Julian on Thursday. Many thanks to Kim, who invited us out for the picking. The acorns will soon go into pots, & hopefully seedlings will be ready to distribute in spring. #oaks
October 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Another bountiful harvest: Oak Project volunteers picked 445 viable acorns from Kim Smith's very productive Englemann near Julian on Thursday. Many thanks to Kim, who invited us out for the picking. The acorns will soon go into pots, & hopefully seedlings will be ready to distribute in spring. #oaks
Put to the test: One of the ways to check if an acorn is a good candidate for propagation is the float test. When placed in water, more viable acorns will sink. Those that float have air pockets and are likely to have been damaged by insects like weevils. Discard floaters, keep sinkers. #oaks #trees
October 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Put to the test: One of the ways to check if an acorn is a good candidate for propagation is the float test. When placed in water, more viable acorns will sink. Those that float have air pockets and are likely to have been damaged by insects like weevils. Discard floaters, keep sinkers. #oaks #trees
Clouds spinning off Tropical Storm Priscilla have streamed in from the southeast since before sunrise today here in inland North County. But the NWS says that while areas west of the mountains have a chance of showers, the bulk of the moisture will stay to the southeast. #sandiegoweather #CAwx
October 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Clouds spinning off Tropical Storm Priscilla have streamed in from the southeast since before sunrise today here in inland North County. But the NWS says that while areas west of the mountains have a chance of showers, the bulk of the moisture will stay to the southeast. #sandiegoweather #CAwx
A trip to Pala Thursday yielded 516 viable acorns for propagation. Much thanks to Phil, one of The Oak Project’s biggest donors and supporters. The acorns were from coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia); scrub oaks (pictured, Quercus berberidifolia); and Englemanns (Quercus engelmanni). #oaks #trees
October 4, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Kate Marianchild's "Secrets of the Oak Woodlands" examines the plants and animals that rely on this keystone species. The Oak Project's focus is restoring populations of Southern California's native oaks, preserving the woodlands' beauty and wonder for future generations. #trees #oaks
September 30, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Oak Project founder Jim Crouch says this could be an early year for acorns. If you have some to donate for our re-oak efforts (we’re hoping to raise and distribute 20,000 seedlings next year), contact Jim at @jbobyak2@gmail.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Oak Project founder Jim Crouch says this could be an early year for acorns. If you have some to donate for our re-oak efforts (we’re hoping to raise and distribute 20,000 seedlings next year), contact Jim at @jbobyak2@gmail.com
There are flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings out for the mountains and deserts of Southern California. Between 1 inch and 2 inches have fallen in some spots, and another half inch is possible. #CAwx #sandiegoweather
September 19, 2025 at 12:28 AM
There are flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings out for the mountains and deserts of Southern California. Between 1 inch and 2 inches have fallen in some spots, and another half inch is possible. #CAwx #sandiegoweather
Our goal is to plant 20,000 oak seedlings in 2026. Donations, of acorns or money, will help us meet our target. It cost roughly $1.75 to raise each seedling. Contact Jim Crouch at jbobyak2@gmail.com to give what you can and help repopulate native oaks in Southern California. #oaks #trees
September 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
This massive oak near Santa Ysabel is likely more than 100 years old. Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) & Engelmann oaks (Quercus engelmannii) can live more than 250 years. The photo is by The Oak Project founder Jim Crouch, who is dedicated to bringing native oaks back to So. Cal. #trees #oaks
September 5, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Oak Project founder Jim Crouch says the next generations of Crouches (below) are his motivation. They, and all of us, will benefit from restoring native oaks in Southern California. Oaks are a keystone species vital to countless animals and organisms. Email Jim to join his effort. #oaks #trees
August 26, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Once you've found your acorns and sorted out the viable ones, it's time to get to planting. Below are more tips to help the seedlings along. #trees
August 22, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Once you've found your acorns and sorted out the viable ones, it's time to get to planting. Below are more tips to help the seedlings along. #trees
Tips for propagating oaks:
Find oaks growing acorns in summer. Start picking in fall as soon as a gentle twist removes the acorn from its cap.
Don’t collect from the ground.
Put the acorns in water for a float test. Healthy ones will sink. Discard the floaters.
More tips tomorrow.
#oaks #trees
Find oaks growing acorns in summer. Start picking in fall as soon as a gentle twist removes the acorn from its cap.
Don’t collect from the ground.
Put the acorns in water for a float test. Healthy ones will sink. Discard the floaters.
More tips tomorrow.
#oaks #trees
August 21, 2025 at 5:16 PM
