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Here's a great idea for how to expand an area's tree cover -- particularly in this region, where oak forests dominate.

Go pick up acorns and spread them around.

Think it's a joke? The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has been doing it for five years.

Earlier this month, 91 volunteers and agency biologists spread out to two state parks and the Smyrna rest area (just off Route 1) to collect acorns that had fallen in areas where seedlings would be unlikely to grow -- places like mowed areas along trail edges, open spaces, roadsides, etc. They encouraged landowners to help out as well, and one in particular wowed everyone. Betty Ann Cooper collected 150 pounds of acorns on her property in Frederica. Get this, she's 84. Her view: "I don't like to waste things." And, hey, the squirrels have plenty already, I'm sure.

Altogether, the department collected 1,191 pounds of acorns this year, the most since the program began in 2005.

The acorns will be scattered in reforestation areas to grow on their own.  Some also will be grown into oak seedlings to be transplanted later.