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Beyond the Beech Tree Scroll for exciting updates on the project and preview of donor thank you gifts!

A look at what's ahead for Lincoln's campus.

A New Welcoming Image

With this project, we strive to create an appealing and welcoming appearance consistent with the school’s Quaker mission and culture, along with visual connectivity between the STEAM Hub and Dwight House.

Each building is a vital part of our campus. Attractive and functional grounds and facilities help schools achieve their enrollment goals and impact their standing in the surrounding community.

Introducing a Reflective Bench

The bench will provide a reflective space for our community, as the beech tree did, while also offering a place to sit for games and event gatherings. This signature piece will also serve as a stage for "elders" during outdoor Silent Meeting.

Use of Native and Pollinating Plantings as a Priority

As a commitment to our Quaker value of Stewardship of the Earth and to aid our relationship with Blackstone Conservancy, we are committed to adding a number of native and pollinating plantings to our campus. Both provide significant environmental benefits necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems and play an important role in our food supply.

Donor Recognition Levels

As a supporter of the project, you are helping to fund the enhanced landscaping of the campus facade and increased campus lighting, as well as the construction of a new custom-designed bluestone bench which will serve as a signature gathering place on campus.

Enjoy a piece of our iconic Beech Tree in your home for years to come!

$500-999

Donors at the $500-999 level will receive one limited edition salt cellar made from the beech tree wood and handcrafted locally by Juan Ferrer of Spoon + Board.

$1,000-4,999

Donors at the $1,000-4,999 level will receive one limited edition cheese board made from the beech tree wood and handcrafted locally by Juan Ferrer of Spoon + Board.

$5,000-9,999

Donors at the $5,000-9,999 level will receive one limited edition bowl made from the beech tree wood and handcrafted locally by Juan Ferrer of Spoon + Board.

$10,000+

Donors at or above the $10,000 level will receive this framed original artist’s print of the beech tree from a small run produced by local artist and Lincoln community member Jennifer Rashleigh P'20, in addition to one limited edition bowl made from the beech tree wood and handcrafted locally by Juan Ferrer of Spoon + Board.

*There is a limited number of each wood piece available and will be provided on a first come first serve basis.

This community fundraising effort is made stronger by our collective efforts - gifts of all sizes are welcomed, and every supporter of the project will receive a piece of the tree, like the small 2" cookie seen here. Together, we can build upon the legacy of the beech tree to sow the seeds of Lincoln’s bright future.

A look back at our Beech Tree journey this year.

On November 24th, the Beech Tree was carefully removed from campus, salvaging as much wood as possible.
"For seven years as a student, and twenty-six years as a teacher, my friend the beech tree was the first greeting I received when I arrived in the morning, and the farewell I was given at the end of each day. I have more memories than I can count in regard to the beech tree, but that one is my favorite." - Anita Richard Thompson ’89 Head of Visual Arts Department

Students in the Upper School Archeology class were able to estimate an approximate age of the beech tree based on a count of the rings left behind on the stump. In the counting process, we learned a lot about the life of our tree. It was actually made up of two main trunks or “leaders” that had grown together over time, and it had sustained more than one serious injury from which it had successfully healed. It was also clear that the tree’s illness was very advanced.

Thanks to the work of our Upper School students, we can now say that the beech tree was over 160 years old, which brings its origin to sometime around 1860. This means the tree predated not just Lincoln’s move to Butler Avenue, but also the original founding of Lincoln School!

A note on our logo: We drew inspiration from Lincoln School's centennial logo, created in celebration of 100 years of Lincoln School. Our Beyond the Beech Tree Campaign logo puts a modern twist on this piece of Lincoln's history, while still honoring its legacy. This is the spirit in which we will approach the reimagining of our front lawn through the Beyond the Beech Tree Campaign.

Watch our community celebration of the beech tree: Giving Thanks for Simple Gifts

Questions about the campaign? Contact the Advancement Office at advancement@lincolnschool.org
Photo and Video Credit: Apparition and Glenn Osmundson Photography