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.
Would you like to adopt a Rye 250 Oak Sapling? We anticipate that they will be ready for pick-up in October 2025. Fill out the form below.
Would you like to donate?
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.
In the fall of 2024, the initiative has began by collecting acorns from some of Rye’s oldest and most beloved oak trees. These acorns were sewed in the fall 2024 and the spring of 2025 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.
Sapling Adoption
If you want to become a steward of a Rye 250 Oak sampling fill out adoption form here.
Before you do, please keep in mind the following:
We would like your decision to plant an oak to be a long-term commitment to grow an oak. We can help you pick the best spot and even help you answer whether an oak is right for your property.
Along with your oak sapling, you will receive a protective sleeve to help the sapling survive its first few years. With your help we will recycle these sleeves after you are done. The sleeve will stop rabbits and deer from eating the samplings leaves. It will also help the tree grow upwards and fend for itself. We estimate that it will take 3 years to reach a state mature enough to not need a sleeve.
We are trying to build a community of people committed to preserving our oaks. While you don't have to participate in the community, we will ask that you send pictures and report back on the health of the tree, and agree to display your tree on a digital map of sapling locations.
