Summer 2013 promises a bumper crop of acorns.

Not every year is good for acorns so, in light of this year's banner crop, Great River Greening is initiating a “Million Acorn Challenge” for the South Washington Conservation Corridor, an important 30-acre conservation greenway of public land located near the cities of Woodbury and Cottage Grove.In an effort to maintain native  species, Great  River Greening has held an Acorn Challenge nearly every year since 2006.  The acorns have been directly seeded or grown to saplings in and planted the following year in the same area. This year's seeds will be grown to saplings at Baily Nursery, which is donating the service. It will take about a year and the young oaks will be planted in fall 2014, or spring 2015, and will include a volunteer event.

Acorns can be collected anywhere within the seven-county metro area.

Acorn drop off locations will be at Great River Greening and Crossroads Church in Woodbury on the following dates:• August 21st at CrossroadsChurch in Woodbury from 7 to 10 am• September 5th at Great River Greening’s office from 3 to 7 pm• September 17th at Greening from 7 to 11 am• September 24th at Crossroads from 4 to 7 pmRegister for the challenge