250 Acorns to Oaks

Rooted in history.
Growing for the future.

250 Acorns to Oaks is a community-driven initiative dedicated to restoring and expanding the native oak population across public and private properties in Rye. Spearheaded by Councilmember James Ward—former Chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee—this project brings individuals, students, and organizations together to plant the seeds of long-term ecological resilience.

Plant a Legacy. Grow Rye’s Future.

Why Oaks?

These “keystone” trees are essential to our local ecosystem, supporting more than 450 species of insects, birds, and small mammals. By increasing the number of native oaks in our community, we are strengthening the foundation of Rye’s biodiversity for generations to come.

The initiative has already begun collecting acorns from some of Rye’s oldest and most beloved oak trees. These acorns are now germinating in specially constructed air pruning beds located at Rye Nature Center, School of the Holy Child, and Rye Country Day School. The project aims to distribute one- to two-year-old saplings in 2026—marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The goal? To have 250 saplings “adopted” and planted by homeowners and the City of Rye, with community members stewarding their growth over the next five years.

Organized in collaboration with Friends of Rye Nature Center, the Little Garden Club of Rye, and the Rye Sustainability Committee, the program is proudly sponsored by the Rye Sustainability Foundation. It is also aligned with Revolutionary Rye 250, a Rye Historical Society initiative commemorating the city’s role in the American Revolution.

Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing updates on the progress of the oaks as they grow, and in the coming months, we’ll announce how local residents and organizations can get involved and adopt a sapling of their own. Together, we’re planting the future—one oak at a time.