Mending wall, the '07 version: fund-raising = good neighbors

The state's Department of Conservation and Recreation is repairing a 19th-century stone wall near Jamaica Pond, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of residents and neighborhood organizations in Jamaica Plain.

The wall, off the Jamaicaway just south of the pond, had been damaged in part by the roots of invasive trees and plants , according to Wendy Fox, a DCR spokeswoman. Plans to repair the wall were approved at a public meeting May 31.

"We had to go in and cut down 24 trees," said Fox, who noted that the department plans to replant the trees. The project was slated to be finished by yesterday.

"Pieces of the rock were lying on the ground, tree roots were at the base it . . . [The wall] was really crumbling," said Sarah Freeman of the Arborway Coalition, which helped spearhead the fund-raising effort. "When we learned how much we would need to earn, we just started knocking on doors. People were eager to help."

The total cost of the restoration was $34,000. A coalition of community groups raised $15,000, with help from more than 70 donations from individuals and businesses. Among the groups donating funds were the Arborway Coalition, Jamaica Pond Association, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, New Boston Fund, Jamaica Hills Association, Jamaica Pond Association, and the Jamaica Pond Project.

Another $15,000 was provided by the state Office of Public Private Partnerships, which matched the funds raised by the residents and organizations. The DCR contributed $4,000 and will pay for the additional cost of tree removal and replanting, which is not yet known.

"The wall already looks much better," said Freeman. "They are doing a nice job."

MICHAEL CORCORAN