Platteville residents, businesses, and service organizations and the City of Platteville have supported the Moving Platteville Outdoor Rountree Trail paving, lighting and trail enhancement project to the tune of $558,000.

The goal of fully matching the $642,692 state Department of Natural Resources grant is less than $85,000 away. Residents have already achieved 26 percent of the recently offered $25,000 challenge match.

Donors can make a last-minute Christmas gift to the community while gaining a tax deduction prior to the end of the year. Every $1 donated means $3 for the trail — $1 from the donor, the DNR and the local challenge match). A yard sign will be provided to all who contribute $100 or more.

Contributions of any amount can be mailed to the Platteville Community Arboretum, P.O. Box 302, Platteville, WI 53818.  Contributions are also being received online at www.plattevillearboretum.org/MPO. The PCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, making contributions tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.