Members of the Los Alamos Garden Club presented a proposal at a recent government meeting aimed at protecting the Los Alamos Memorial Rose Garden from increasing deer populations that have been damaging the plants. The garden, established in 1956 and located within the Los Alamos Historic District, serves as a significant community space for events and personal reflection.

The club's representatives highlighted the garden's history, noting its role as a memorial where local residents have donated roses in memory of loved ones. They emphasized the garden's importance to the community, citing its use for weddings, concerts, and other gatherings. However, they reported that recent wildfires have driven deer closer to town, leading to significant destruction of the garden's flora.

To combat this issue, the club has been using wire cages around plants, but they argue that a more permanent solution—a decorative fence—would not only protect the garden but also enhance its aesthetic appeal. They proposed an 8-foot tall, powder-coated steel fence that would blend with the historic surroundings while providing a strong barrier against deer.

The estimated cost for the fencing is around $42,000, which the club hopes will be funded by the county. The proposal has already received approval from the Los Alamos Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the state Historic Preservation Division. The county manager expressed interest in moving forward with the project, emphasizing the need for further discussions and community input regarding the fence's design and its visual impact on the area.

The garden club members, who dedicate hundreds of volunteer hours each year to maintain the garden, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that without effective protection, the garden's future as a cherished community resource is at risk. The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore the proposal further, ensuring that the garden can continue to thrive for future generations.