Mighty Acorn Society
Join the Mighty Acorn Society and be part of a transformative initiative in Linn County, where you can nurture native Iowa oak trees from acorns to thriving saplings. As a member, you’ll receive everything you need to cultivate these vital trees while contributing to ecological restoration and community beautification. Together, we can create a lasting legacy of sustainability and natural beauty for future generations.
From tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow. From passionate communities, legacies flourish.
Our newest initiative! Transform Linn County's landscape, one acorn at a time. Join other visionaries in nurturing native Iowa oaks from seed to sapling.
Why join?
- Small Cost, Big Impact: For a small one-time fee you'll get all the materials, training, and expert guidance you need to grow and plant new trees, year after year. No experience needed—just passion.
- Free Supplies: Receive air-pruning pots, custom potting soil mix, a stainless-steel drip tray, deer protection, and 4 native acorns (choose from Northern Red, Bur, Chinkapin, Swamp White, and Pin)
- Hands-on Experience: Nurture your trees on a sunny windowsill as the snow melts, then plant them outside in June - at home, in a park, or in our new oak savanna.
- Fun for the Whole Family: Experience the wonder of nature as your tiny sprouts transform into mighty oaks - a magical experience for kids and adults alike!
- Community: Join a passionate group of people working together to restore Iowa's native ecosystems and enrich our local community.
How to Join
Our 2025 registration is now closed, but we welcome you to join us in 2026! Click the button below to fill out the Mighty Acorn Society interest form.
Why it matters:
- Combat climate change through grassroots action
- Restore biodiversity in Linn County
- Create a lasting legacy for future generations
- Be part of a replicable, community-driven model
Make a Difference
As a member of this exclusive group, you'll learn how to nurture native Iowa oaks from acorn to seedling each year, contributing to the preservation of these vital trees while mentoring new recruits in this rewarding process.
Your Role As a Mighty Acorn Society Member
- Grow Trees: Nurture native oaks from acorn to seedling each year.
- Inspire Others: Share your passion and encourage new members.
- Mentor Recruits: Guide new members in successful tree cultivation.
- Preserve Our Future: Contribute to expanding native oak populations.
The Mighty Acorn Hunt
Iowa's native oaks are getting ready to drop their acorns soon! Beginning mid-September to October, you'll be able to gather acorns and store them in your refrigerator all winter long; a process called 'cold stratification'. Then next spring, you'll be able to plant your acorns to grow into mighty oak trees!
Why it Matters
Oaks are keystone species—supporting hundreds of native insects, birds, and mammals. And when you notice acorns, you’re witnessing the next generation of forest life starting to grow.
How to Get Started
We've put together a handy guide that will take you through all the steps for locating oaks, gathering and testing acorns, and storing acorns this fall.
The Mighty Acorn Society Book Club
Launched in May of 2025, our book club was born with the goal of building a fun community of folks who are curious and passionate about nature. Join us the first Monday of every month as we explore enlightening and inspiring topics related to local ecosystems, our connection with nature, conservation, personal journeys, and more.
Join us for our next book club meeting - everyone is welcome!