Washington D.C’s iconic cherry blossoms face threat from rising sea levels and temperatures

Beloved social media star ‘Stumpy the Cherry Blossom’ is among the casualties as the National Park Service in Washington D.C. begins a multiyear restoration project of the Tidal Basin. The crumbling seawall around the Jefferson Memorial is being replaced to combat flooding risks for cherry trees, with rising sea levels and temperatures due to climate change being major factors. Over 100 cherry trees will be cut down, including Stumpy, with plans to replant nearly 300 trees as replacements. The cherry trees have been impacted by climate change, with peak bloom happening earlier in the calendar year as temperatures warm. Stumpy, a popular social media sensation, will be cloned by the National Arboretum for future generations. The restoration project is expected to take three years and cost $133 million, with the goal of benefiting both visitors and the cherry trees themselves. The loss of Stumpy has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with people leaving flowers and bourbon at the tree’s base. Despite the loss of some trees, the restoration project aims to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C.

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