Auburn fans may own part of beloved oak trees

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) – Auburn University officials are telling News Leader 9 even if the poisoned trees die this spring, fans will have one more football season to roll them. Fundraising and alumni leaders are working on a plan that would share a piece of wood from these trees with all Auburn fans.

This week, President Jay Gouge approved a committee's recommendation to replace the trees at Toomer's corner with one or two large trees when they die.

Debbie Shaw, VP of Alumni Affairs says fans do not have to say goodbye, just yet.

"We are happy to relay we will be having one more fall football season to roll the trees at that corner," says Shaw. "Even if they do die by this fall we will still be able to be rolled so we have a good year to put a good plan in place that's best for Auburn."

Shaw says committee members are now focusing on what to do with the trees, once they are cut down.

They are asking for input from the community and so far the plan is to allow fans to purchase a piece of the beloved oaks.

Shaw adds, "Small items such as a wood pen that can be made out of wood that is a possibility to raise money for the new trees."

She says it is premature to say how much they hope to raise with the Toomer's oak fundraiser but she says the goal is to raise enough money to pay for the extensive renovations that will happen at the corner when the new trees are brought in.

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