AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn University announced today the approval of the second phase of its plans to renovate Samford Park and replace the iconic Auburn oaks in early 2015.



The Auburn University Board of Trustees approved the plans, which call for 30 live oak trees to be planted along a new brick walkway that will connect Samford Hall to Toomer's Corner. The trees will be 15 feet tall and were grown from acorns taken from the Auburn Oaks 12 years ago.



In addition, two large live oaks, approximately 35 feet tall with a 30-foot spread, will be planted at the College Street and Magnolia Avenue intersection on Feb. 16, 2015, completing the first phase of the project. Rolling of the new trees will not be allowed for at least a year while the trees acclimate to their new environment and establish roots.



"Our goal all along was to restore the corner with large trees at the earliest opportunity," said Dan King, assistant vice president for Facilities Management. "Last summer we completed the hardscape to improve aesthetics and the pedestrian experience. The only thing missing was the trees. We think this plan honors the tradition of the historic original oaks."



In 2012 the Committee to Study the Future of Rolling Toomer's Corner--a group of faculty, staff, students and alumni--recommended replacing the dying Auburn Oaks with one or more large trees. The committee surveyed more than 1,200 friends of the university who indicated their preference for the future of the corner.



The 30 descendant Auburn Oaks were grown from acorns collected in 2002 by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, which raised the seedlings and planted them in an orchard on Auburn forest property. The descendant trees are expected to be planted in spring 2016.



"We planted the descendant trees 12 years ago thinking that if anything happened to the Auburn Oaks, we would have offspring of the originals to replace them," said Scott Enebak, professor of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. "The offspring trees are too small to go on the corner, but I'm pleased they'll be planted in Samford Park where their parents stood for more than 80 years."

This article was edited at 11:48 p.m. to add additional information.