A large fence going up around the arboretum at Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a mosaic of groves, gardens and interpretive sites featuring native plants and treasures from around the world. The landscaped park contains expensive flora, botanicals, benches and memorial sites. Washoe County parks operations superintendent Eric Crump estimated the value of trees and shrubs at the arboretum at nearly $3 million. Unfortunately, a spruce tree was stolen last December and other types of theft and destruction have occurred. To deter vandalism, the high black fence is constructed—a $30,000 project. Does it make sense? According to information in a recent Question & Answer column in the Reno Gazette-Journal, the park will not be locked and, initially, not completely be enclosed by the fence.

Loving open space? Find parks, preserves, forests and trails at Explore Reno-Tahoe and beyond.

Reference
Ask the RGJ: Why the fence at Rancho San Rafael? Reno Gazette-Journal, February 12, 2014, 3A.