Being a resident of the DC/MD/VA for 25+ years has granted me access to the one of the most amazing displays of mother nature-the Cherry Blossoms by the Tidal Basin! This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival overlaps briefly with the trees’ peak bloom dates, the National Park Service said Tuesday. The peak bloom date is April 11-14 as announced. The announcement is highly anticipated by both locals and domestic and international travelers who are always inspired to travel to DC just to get a glimpse of our world famous Cherry Trees.
The plantings of cherry trees originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is an exalted flowering plant. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with the evanescence of human life and epitomizes the transformation of Japanese culture throughout the ages. The first cherry trees were ceremonially planted by First Lady Helen Taft and Japanese Viscountess Iwa Chinda on March 27, 1912. 3,020 trees were planted throughout the modern National Mall and Memorial Parks as a gift from Tokyo, Japan to Washington, D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 12. Peak bloom also happens to start the the same day as the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which begins at 10am on Constitution Ave on April 11 and travels between 7th and 17th streets.
Other notable events include the Pink Tie Party Fundraiser at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Thursday, March 19; the Opening Ceremony Saturday, March 21 at Warner Theatre; Cherry Blast Art & Music Dance Party at the Blind Whino SW Arts Club Friday, March 27; the Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument Saturday, March 28; Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival from 1pm to 9pm Saturday, April 4; and Sakura Matsuri—the Japanese Street Festival on Saturday, April 11.
New events include the Anacostia River Festival presented by the 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service which begins at noon on Sunday, April 12th and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Corridor Bike Ride which begins at the Arlington National Cemetery at 11:30am on Saturday, April 18th.
Traveling to and through the Cherry Blossom Festival is easier than ever thanks to the launch of the
DC Circulator National Mall Route, a low-cost, easy public transit option.
Here are three easy things you can do to be active stewards of these special trees:
1. Take photos, not flowers
The blossoms belong to everyone! Picking them off the tree for yourself is not OK. Whenever a twig is broken off of a tree, new blossoms will never grow from that part of the tree again. The tree is also exposed to diseases and pests that can shorten its life. Superintendent's Compendium Section 2.1(a)(5) states: "Gathering or possessing natural products such as fruit, nuts, blossoms, or plants in the park is prohibited."
2. Keep your feet on the ground
Climbing trees and hanging from limbs may seem harmless, but trees are damaged by climbers every year.Superintendent's Compendium Section 2.1(a)(5) states, "Climbing trees...in the park is prohibited."
3. Use sidewalks
Walking around the base of a cherry tree seems harmless, but multiplied by the hundreds of thousands of people who come to see the blossoms, it adds up to a big impact. The soil gets compacted, which affects the trees' ability to absorb water through their roots. In some cases, the roots can be directly damaged by trampling. By staying on paved walkways, you help the trees live longer, healthier lives.
Just remember:
Don’t touch the trees.
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
One of the best ways to experience the Cherry Trees is on a
paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online paddle boat reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area.
