Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD Takes Steps to Save Trees at Referendum Project Sites
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has relocated a number of trees at its Phase 1 facilities referendum sites, preserving valued natural assets at Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High and Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools.
The work, which took place last week, was made possible through the volunteer efforts of Adam Alves, a Dane County forestry specialist and Madison College instructor. Alves donated both his time, on behalf of the Dane County Tree Canopy Collaborative, and equipment, including the use of a 44-inch tree spade, to carefully uproot and replant trees that would otherwise have been removed during construction.
“Trees are part of a school’s identity and a community’s memory,” Alves said. “I’m grateful I could help MMSD preserve these ones, so they can continue to grow alongside the students and families who care about them.”
At Gompers/Black Hawk, three orchard trees were relocated to a hillside near the school’s new community garden. At Sherman/Shabazz, Alves worked to move many of the trees that form the early stages of the schools’ student-planted forest. These trees were relocated to the west side of the property to protect them from upcoming construction. The orchard at the site will remain in place and be protected throughout the project, and several mature oaks are also planned for preservation.
“MMSD is committed to protecting our natural spaces, and we heard clearly from families and neighbors how much these trees mean to them,” Bryanna Krekeler, MMSD sustainability manager, said. “Thanks to Adam’s expertise and generosity, we were able to save trees that hold history, meaning and educational value.”
The effort required significant planning and coordination, including scheduling around utilities and working with licensed archeologists because of an uncategorized burial site located at Sherman/Shabazz. Through this collaboration, a substantial number of trees were moved safely. Final totals will be confirmed after assessments are complete, though early estimates suggest between a dozen and two dozen trees were relocated across both sites.
The tree relocation project is part of MMSD’s Phase 1 facilities referendum work, which includes upgrades to learning environments, improved outdoor spaces and long-term planning centered on sustainability, safety and community needs.
This project also highlights the powerful role volunteers play in supporting schools. Community members regularly contribute their time and expertise in classrooms, outdoor spaces and programs across the district. MMSD encourages anyone interested in making a difference for students and school communities to explore the many ways they can get involved by becoming a district volunteer.
For more information regarding the 2024 referenda, please visit the MMSD website. For questions, please reach out via Let’s Talk.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.