ESCONDIDO, Calif. — An Escondido man is trying to save a rare species of oak tree by collecting thousands of acorns.
In this Zevely Zone, I found out why a retired science teacher needs your help. Sometimes in life when you are up against something that seems impossible, all you have to do is plant a seed.
"I can spot an Engelmann a mile away because the leaves are lighter and more of a blue-gray," said Jim Crouch. "This is an Engelmann Oak."
There's a story taking root in these foothills about the Escondido man collecting and planting acorns. "Yeah, I planted 2,500," said Jim.
The 73-year-old retired science teacher is trying to save the Engelmann Oak. "For my grandkids," said Jim. A few years ago, Jim sprang into action and started squirreling away acorns.
"That's a threatened one and oaks are a keystone. In other words, there is more life dependent upon oaks than any other single kind of plant," said Jim.
The native San Diegan wants to help Englemann oaks because they're homegrown too. "They grow from Tecate to Pasadena from 1,400 to 4,200 feet," said Jim.
After Jim collected 2,500 Engelmann acorns, he planted every one of them. "This is called a deep pot," said Jim.
The tiny seedlings will someday grow to be trees. So far, Jim's found 100 people willing to plant trees on their properties but he's looking to 'branch' out.
"Absolutely," he said. He needs people to plant the trees an elevation that is 1,400 to 4,200 feet. He also needs people to water them.
"Twice a month for two years," said Jim. He vows to fight for Engelmann Oaks, until he can no longer stand tall. It's a promise that's stronger than oak.
"The most gratifying thing that just knocks me down and brings tears to my eyes is the kind help that I get from people," said Jim. "It's the best. Their kindness just knocks my socks off man."
Jim is giving away free Engelmann Oak seedlings to people to plant on Facebook Marketplace for a link to that site, click here.