MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Powerful winds from Wednesday night’s storms left behind damaged trees and a crushed car at Henry David Thoreau Elementary School on Madison’s west side.
Large limbs were scattered across the property, and several mature trees showed signs of significant damage. Some had lost major branches, while others were stripped of bark.
But beyond the visible damage, volunteers say the storm may have altered an important environmental feature on the property. Several large trees fell into rain gardens that help filter runoff before it reaches Lake Wingra, and the loss of shade could change which plants are able to survive there.
Friends of Lake Wingra said several large trees fell into the gardens, including a newly expanded section volunteers recently helped plant. The group said the gardens appear likely to survive, but the dramatically sunnier conditions could create new challenges for some plants.
The damage drew neighbors to the school Thursday, including Karl Rohe and his son, Leo…