MMSD, Dane County Forestry Volunteer Take Steps to Save Trees at Referendum Project Sites

Some of Madison’s cherished school trees are getting a new home. As part of the Phase 1 facilities referendum work, the Madison Metropolitan School District recently relocated a number of trees at Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High and Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools.

Thanks to the generosity and expertise of Adam Alves, a Dane County forestry specialist and Madison College instructor, these trees were carefully uprooted and replanted rather than removed for construction. Alves volunteered his time and equipment, including a 44-inch tree spade, to ensure the trees would continue to grow and thrive in new locations.

“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 found a new home on a hillside near the school’s community garden. At Sherman/Shabazz, trees that make up the start of a student-planted forest were moved to the west side of the property to protect them during construction. The orchard at the site will remain in place, and several mature oaks are 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.”

Relocating the trees required careful planning, including coordinating around utilities and working with licensed archaeologists because of an uncategorized burial site at Sherman/Shabazz. While final counts are still being confirmed, early estimates suggest between a dozen and two dozen trees were safely moved across both sites.

This effort is part of MMSD’s broader Phase 1 referendum work, which focuses on improving learning spaces, enhancing outdoor areas, and planning for long-term 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 about the 2024 referenda, visit MMSD’s website or reach out via Let’s Talk.