GLENDALE : Students Prevail in Bid to Save Old Oak

A Glendale Community College student ecology group claimed a victory for the environment after administrators told trustees they will spare a 45-foot oak tree from being destroyed.

“We (now) believe the tree can be relocated on this campus,” said William Taylor, the college’s director of business services. “We are working (toward) a very harmonious relationship (with the Ecology Club) to get that done.”

Taylor made the announcement Monday during a Glendale college board of trustees meeting.

“It sounds like that’s one lucky tree,” Trustee Phillip Kazanjian said. “I want to compliment the students on saving that tree. . . . You did make a difference.”

Last week, the coast live oak--its age estimated at between 58 and 150 years--was to be cut down because it stood in the way of a $2.4-million renovation and expansion project for the campus’ Technical Education Building. College officials said transplanting the oak would be too costly and would delay the project, scheduled to be completed by August, 1994. The tree’s expected chance of survival, if transplanted, would also be slim--50%, or less.

But students from the 15-member Ecology Club protested the decision, saying they had been told the tree would have a 90% to 100% chance of survival. They also started a donation drive to raise money to cover the estimated $12,000 cost for transplantation.

On Monday, Taylor acknowledged that figures students obtained were correct. He also told board members that he and Ecology Club members will meet with contractors to find ways to remove the oak without delaying the building project.

After the board meeting, club members expressed satisfaction that their efforts were not in vain. They said they have since received a $3,000 donation from the campus student government for costs in transplanting the oak.

“We’re not anti-development,” said club President Doug Lindsey. “We’re pro-conservation.”