Tree & Seed Collection Information

ACWA collaborates with several organizations to fund and coordinate tree planting projects & seed/acorn collections of desirable native species on private and public land.

Property owners willing to plant trees\shrubs in any quantity should reach out to us to discuss funding options. In some cases ACWA Tree Stewards can coordinate volunteers to help plant trees and provide follow-on maintenance at planting sites.

Contact us to discuss your tree planting & seed collection ideas.

How to get Trees

ACWA Tree Nursery & Sales Throughout the year ACWA hosts tree and shrub sales of native species. Check our calendar for sale event dates.
Backyard Buffer (BYB) Program Free bareroot trees from MD DNR every spring. Check out the Forest Service homepage and contact your BYB coordinator by county for more information. These trees are for private landowners. https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/programs/Backyard-Buffer-Program.aspx
Maryland 5-Million Tree Program https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/5-million-trees.aspx Contact the MD-DNR Tree Planting Specialist for Washington County to learn about various tree planting funding options.
“Marylanders Plant Trees” Coupon Program Coupon from MD Forest Service provides $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State, with one participating nursery located in Washington County, MD. Visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/MarylandersPlantTrees/Introduction.aspx
TREE-mendous Maryland program offers discounted container trees to be planted on public land. Order form comes out spring and fall. https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/treemendous/default.aspx
John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery Bareroot tree state nursery in Preston MD. http://nursery.dnr.maryland.gov/default.asp

Invasive & Native Species

Selecting the the type of tree or shrub for your site can be overwhelming. Native trees and shrubs are best suited for your local environment and are more likely to survive because they have adapted to the conditions and climate of the region.

Avoid planting non-native species, especially those that are known to be invasive threatening our local plants and animals. An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native. Invasive species can impact our agricultural crops and native habitats. The best way to avoid the spread of invasive plants is not to plant them.

After learning how to identify different invasive species you will recognize them locally. Read more about different invasive species and how you can help…

Maryland Recommended Native Trees List MD-DNR Website

Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat & Conservation Handout (USFW, 2003 link to PDF)

Seed Collection

Seed Collection is an excellent way to increase the number of native plant species adapted to our local region. Proper identification of species is important prior to collection. Group collection events occur in spring and fall. Check our calendar for event schedules.

General Info for Seed Collections

MD DNR Seed Collection Tips MD-DNR Document
Plant Identification for Seed Collection Workshop Booklet, Fall 2025 (PDF)
Tree Seed Sourcing 101 MD-DNR website

Fact Sheets for Specific Species

*created from: Stein, J., D. Binion, and R. Acciavatti. 2001. Field Guide to Native Oak Species in Eastern North America. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. FHTET-03-01

Tree Care

Tree Owners Manual https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/TreeOwnersManual

Tree Organizations

Chesapeake Tree Canopy Network - Tree Stewards information on other Tree Stewards in the watershed (MD, DE, VA, DC, PA, BMORE).