Germinating Oak

By Renee Dompier, or Grandmother Oak

Over the winter and into early spring, we carefully planted a collection of acorns, tiny, unassuming seeds that, at first glance, don’t seem like much. Now, after weeks of waiting, watching and hoping, they have begun to emerge from their shells.

Somewhere along the way, I was affectionately given the title of “grandmother” to all these little acorns, and now that they are sprouting and reaching toward the light, that title feels more meaningful than I ever expected.

In the beginning, I’ll admit I was nervous. Taking care of so many “acorn babies” felt like a big responsibility. I found myself wondering if I would do everything right; if I watered them enough, gave them the right light, protected them from the cold and helped them grow strong. There’s something about caring for living things that naturally brings a sense of excitement and worry. You want to nurture them, but you also know some things are out of your control.

But everything changed the moment in January when I saw the very first sprout break through the soil. It was such a small thing, a thin green start pushing its way upward, but it carried so much life and determination. In that instant, all my worries faded, replaced by awe. I was completely hooked. From that point on, checking the acorns became more than a task. It became a daily joy, something I looked forward to with genuine excitement!

It has been empowering watching our collection of acorns transform. So easy to overlook, they hold within them the blueprint for something truly magnificent. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the idea that one day, these tiny beginnings could grow into towering oak trees, strong, rooted, and enduring. Oaks symbolize resilience and longevity, and witnessing the very start of that journey feels like being let in on a quiet, powerful secret of nature.

As this part of our urban forestry project has grown, so has our curiosity. We’re also cultivating acorns from regions to the south, including the California Coastal Live Oak and the California Black Oak. They carry their own story, their own adaptations, strengths, and unique beauty. It’s been fascinating to learn about the differences, from how they grow to what environments they thrive in, and to imagine how they might one day take root in new spaces.

This effort is about more than just growing trees it’s about looking ahead. With the environmental changes happening around us, it feels important to take even small steps toward supporting the ecosystems that sustain so much life. Oak trees, in particular, play a vital role. They provide shelter and food for countless species, creating entire communities around them. By growing a diverse group of oaks, we hope however modestly to contribute to that resilience, to help ensure that these ecosystems continue to thrive despite the challenges ahead.

There’s also something deeply personal about this experience. Caring for these acorns has reminded me of raising my own children. There’s the same sense of nurturing, of watching something grow day by day, of celebrating small milestones that might go unnoticed by others but feel monumental to you. And just like with my children, I know this journey will eventually lead to a moment of letting go.

One day, these seedlings will be ready to leave our care and be planted out into the wider world. When that time comes, I imagine I’ll feel a mix of emotions pride in how far they’ve come, hope for the lives they’ll lead, and a touch of sadness in saying goodbye. It’s the same bittersweet feeling I experienced when I sent my three children out into the world. You do your best to nurture, guide, and protect, knowing all along that the goal is for them to grow strong enough to stand on their own.

For now, though, I’m choosing to stay present in this moment. I’m enjoying the daily rhythm of checking the soil, watching sprouts grow, and marveling at how quickly life can unfold when given the chance. Each little oak is a reminder of patience, possibility, and the quiet strength that comes from simply growing, one day at a time.

In a world that often feels fast-paced and uncertain, these acorns have given me a sense of grounding. They remind me that growth cannot be rushed, that strong foundations take time, and that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary. And for that, I feel incredibly grateful to be their “grandmother,” watching over them as they begin their journey toward becoming something much greater than themselves.