Estate gets an important “Wishing Tree” gift!
We are very grateful to Virginia (Bohlin) Dorman, who generously donated her tractor to the Wakefield Estate last week in memory of her late husband, William Dorman. The tractor is an essential piece of the equipment needed to maintain the estate, and we are so happy for the donation! The tractor will be affectionately referred to as “Bill.” The tractor was one of an array of items we had as a “wish” on our newly created “Giving Tree.” Highlighting important items we will need for programs in 2013 and beyond, the Giving Tree offers an opportunity for friends and supporters to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Wakefield Trust at year-end or throughout the year. To see the entire list with proposed giving amounts starting at $35, visit our “Donate” tab on our website, or see the complete list below.
The Wakefield Giving Tree
Each ornament on the Wakefield Giving Tree represents an item or service for which we seek donations. Your support – whether you can donate the entire amount or a portion of the item’s cost – directly benefits our mission of education and community enrichment. In addition to individual items, there are “volunteer” ornaments for those interested in working with us to fulfill our mission. This holiday season, please consider taking an ornament home and mailing your contribution to the Wakefield Estate.
All contributions are tax-deductible.
Checks can be made payable to: Wakefield Charitable Trust /1465 Brush Hill Rd. / Milton, MA 02186
Bus Load of School Kids– $300 each. Our goal is 10 buses. In order for school groups to visit the Wakefield Estate, transportation must be provided. If we sponsor more buses, more students can visit the Estate and experience a wonderful hands- on learning experience.
School Trip Snacks – $35. Healthy snacks for school trips.
Pond Package – $100. Instructor- ($30) and student nets-( $40; 5@$8) plus leopard frog tadpoles and/or dragonfly larva and 2 Macro lens ($15 each)- increases the students understanding of lifecycles in the natural environment.
Beneficial Bugs – $100. Praying Mantis cases and Lady Beetles are beneficial insects that feed on predators and invasive species.
Wild Bird Seed Bundle – $100. Polly Wakefield was always interested in attracting wildlife to her landscape. We continue that tradition today.
Blue Egg Starter – $75. A dozen araucana chicks and a #25 bag of chick starter feed. Children love the opportunity to see chicks born and watch them grow to adulthood to produce beautiful blue eggs.
Earth Art Program Angel – $100. Sun print paper, laminating sheets, construction paper, crayons, glue sticks. Excellent learning opportunity for school groups.
Nighttime Wildlife Camera – $100. The Wakefield Estate is active with wildlife that includes, fox, coyote, raccoon and deer just to name a few. Capturing them on film at night will provide an important learning tool to help kids understand the environment and how these animals survive.
Animal feed– $100. Favorite student destinations at the Wakefield Estate include the chicken coop and the sheep pen. Kids have the opportunity to collect an egg from the coop, have the chance to hold a chicken and pet a sheep.
Chipper (Used)- $8,500. The removal of dead and invasive trees from the collection and the property buffer requires a wood chipper.
Plant Material- $100-$300. The Wakefield Estate is working to add and replace plants in the collection that will provide habitat for wild life and enhance the educational value for horticulture research.
Garden Tools- $15-$100. Tools of all shapes and sizes are used in everyday maintenance of the plant collection.
Interpretive Signage -$175. To improve the understanding of all of the unique elements of the property we are working to develop an interpretive plan. Signage will allow teachers and visitors to gain more information about the environment and the Wakefield landscape.
Large Size Ratchet Set, Tap and Die Set –$50-$100.Most of the maintenance of our equipment is done on site. Tools are an integral part of this work.
20’ Carbide Chain Saw Blade- $125.Chainsaw work is an integral part of our maintenance work. Carbide blades are especially useful on hardwoods.
Tree Sprayer- $400. Over the past several years. The Wakefield Estate has encountered an increasing number of invasive pests. Our goal is to use environmentally safe horticultural oils and natural bacteria to keep these insects at bay and protect our historic plant collection.
Laptop/Printer- $1200. Necessary for collections work.
Farm Truck (used)- $7500. A truck is used for everything from snow plowing, pulling the chipper, spreading mulch and invasive removal. It is an integral part of maintaining the landscape and the animals.
Volunteer Opportunities- 8 hours per month. Research,Horticulture, Education, Interpretation, Wood working