Auburn University’s Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment (CFWE) received a matching donation from the Auburn Foundation to aid an ongoing restoration project at the Crooked Oaks, former home of the cherished football coach, Pat Dye.
Related: Preservation Efforts for Crooked Oaks in Notasulga, Alabama
In 2023, CFWE received the 415-acre property in Notasulga, close to Auburn’s main campus. Crooked Oaks now represents a vital legacy that aims to provide Auburn students with practical learning experiences.
Dedicated to Education
The Birmingham-based Umb4au Foundation, born from collaborative fellowship and commitment to education, is earnest in its objective to support Auburn.
Founding directors Dan Lovell and David Pursell are deeply passionate about promoting initiatives that benefit Auburn’s faculty, students, athletes, and facilities. They have played pivotal roles in various undertakings to enhance the university’s academic pursuits.
In conversations with CFWE Development Director Heather Crozier, Jay Evers, a foundational member, supported the restoration initiative focused on Crooked Oaks.
Like many effective philanthropy efforts, the foundation hopes this gift will encourage the Auburn community to contribute matching funds during Auburn’s 2025 Tiger Giving Day Crowdfunding Event.
A Bond with Nature
Evers, who shares a love for nature and has a background playing high school football, feels connected to Dye’s vision.
“You know, he transitioned through various seasons, and football brought him immense joy,” Evers noted. “But if you ask him how he saw himself, he’d probably lean more towards his connection with the land than with football.”
Since 1998, Dye, with his partner Nancy McDonald, worked on developing the land until his passing in 2020.
NL Hart, manager at Crooked Oaks, believes Dye and McDonald will ensure the integrity of the site as an educational and recreational resource.
Community Resource Development
“These funds are essential for enhancing the nursery’s infrastructure and layout to make it more functional and accessible,” Hart explained. “This includes repairing irrigation systems and drainage areas to prevent erosion.”
True to Dye’s vision, providing students with experiential learning opportunities is central to the project.
CFWE and Agricultural University plan to involve alumni and students in developing nursery schools focused on nurturing new Japanese maple seedlings and various other species.
Hart mentioned the nursery intends to expand its inventory to include different Japanese maple types and Camellia species.
To successfully execute the Tiger Giving Day project, Crooked Oaks requires various high-quality supplies and materials, including grafting tools and soil enhancers.
Additionally, revitalizing existing greenhouses for plant management and wintering is crucial. The overall estimated cost for the project exceeds $100,000.
Preserving Heritage
“UMB4AU’s matching donations greatly impact the Crooked Oaks, benefiting the university, its students, and academic programs,” said Janaki Alavalapati, Emmett F. Thompson Dean of CFWE. “Tiger Giving Day encourages the Auburn community to help exceed the matching funds necessary to leverage UMB4AU’s generous contributions to restore Coach Dye’s cherished gardens.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Auburn University’s Tiger Giving Day on September 10th, a popular crowdfunding event inviting the community to support transformative projects on campus and beyond.
“When we think about all the various ways people engage—like hunting, plant shopping, or community service—there’s a legacy we all share going forward,” the message adds.
Those interested in contributing to this campaign or exploring additional donation options can reach out at 334-740-9522 or via email. For further information about Crooked Oaks, inquiries regarding nursery sales can be made on their website.
courtesy Auburn University
