Fall Hiking, and Acorn Counts!

Wandering About Nature Today-Last year along the Eastern seaboard we had a devastsating crop outcome for Acorns. This is an important food source for our wildlife, and in most cases, the last chance to both store away a winter cache, as well as those extra calories to survive the winter! Scientists believe it was related to unusally wet weather patterns. There were reports of animals starving to death, and thin Squirrels appearing on peoples property that had Oak Trees that would normally be producing a mast crop this time of year. I was in the Cherokee National Forest hiking last year, and the crop covered the forest floor with a wide variety to choose from. I would like a rough count and surviellance reports from anyone hiking in this region if possible. It dosen't have to be scienctific, just a visual report. I am interested in this years crop output, as it relates to the Eastern Seaboard from Georgia up through New England! I can't be everywhere, so from time to time I request alittle assistance! Thanks, and Happy Hiking!