Gateway to the Arborway is an ongoing project to build a 4-foot tall picket fence along the Arborway median across from Arnold Arboretum. The fence, which is currently half completed, is designed to improve safety, prevent tree loss and damage, and provide an opportunity to plant new trees and shrubs.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), which has leant previous support to the project, is offering funding through its Partnership Matching Funds Program to complete construction. State funding through DCR is currently in place, and the project’s sponsors – a collaboration of local residents, neighborhood associations, institutions, and park friends groups – are seeking donations to cover the private portion of the funding. The goal is to raise $19,000 by the end of March, with DCR contributing $2 for every $1 raised privately.

If you’d like to support Gateway to the Arborway with a tax-deductible donation, please mail a check payable to the Jamaica Pond Project  to Sarah Freeman at 22 Arborway, Jamaica Plain 02130, and indicate in the memo line that you are contributing to the Arborway Fence project. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

For more information, call Sarah at 617-524-0602 or Ann Stillman at 617-524-2387.