Cherokee Heights Middle School

4301 Cherokee Drive, Madison WI, 53711

Total Students: 500
TESTING PRIORITY: LOW- MEDIUM
ABSTRACT: The garden is adjacent to the intersection of S Midvale Blvd and Nakoma Drive
making it visible and accessible to the neighborhood, but its location poses a higher likelihood of
soil contamination from leaded gasoline existing prior to the 1970s. Raised beds, additions of
topsoil and compost, and regular planting may have helped mitigate this risk.
GARDEN CHARACTERISTICS
The garden at CHMS is planned and planted each spring by 6th grade science classes. Over the
summer, students and their families volunteer to help with weeding and watering and are
welcome to take produce home.
Garden type: Vegetable
When established: Unknown has been active since before 2011
Size: 800 square feet
Location on school grounds: North West corner of the site, at the corner of
Midvale and Cherokee Drive approximately 100 feet from school
Soil type/soil origins: Original and purchased topsoil
Mitigation used: Raised beds
Has soil been tested: No

NEAR BY LAND USE

Major Roads: S Midvale Boulevard, Cherokee Drive, Nakoma Drive
The school is located at the fork of S Midvale Blvd and Nakoma Drive in a residential
neighborhood half a mile from the Beltline. The schools garden is in the North West corner of the
lot, just a few yards from the corner of Midvale and Cherokee Drive and approximately 100 feet
from the school.
PAST SITE USE
In the 20th century the neighborhood transitioned from agriculture to residential use. The use of
lead based paint in homes prior to 1970, in addition to demolitions and renovations over the
years, allow for the possibility of residual soil contamination.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONS
Initial Construction: Information on the construction of this site is not available at this time.
BUILDING MATERIALS

Detailed information on the schools construction is not available at this time, but its brick
exterior and distance from garden reduce the risk of soil contamination by way of lead based
paint and construction materials.

- Moira McAdams