The Auburn University Board of Trustees is excited to announce that they have approved the initiation of the second phase of the plan to renovate Samford Park. This plan includes for 30 live oak trees to be planted along a brand new brick walkway that will connect Toomer’s Corner to Samford Hall. These trees were grown from acorns taken from the iconic Auburn Oaks over 12 years ago and are now 15 feet tall. They were collected by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and planted in an orchard on Auburn forest property.
On February 16th 2015 phase one will be complete; when two large oaks are planted at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. This plan will honor the beloved historic oaks for all Auburn fans to enjoy. These trees are each approximately 35 feet tall and have about a 30 foot spread. By planting these mature oaks, fans will be able to resume the tradition of rolling the oaks sooner rather than later. However, rolling of the new trees will not be allowed for at least a year while the trees adapt to their new home and establish their roots.
The decision to plant new trees was decided by a wide range of members of the community. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni joined together to survey more than 1,200 friends of the university to obtain their opinions and ideas on what the future of the corner should be. The new trees begin a new chapter for the university and the Auburn community as a whole, and will certainly be a wonderful tradition for many years to come.