WASHINGTON DC, United States — A crowd of visitors gathers around "Stumpy," the beloved gnarled cherry tree at the Tidal Basin, to take photos during its potentially final blooming season. This iconic Yoshino cherry tree has become a popular attraction during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The scene underscores the tree's significance as visitors aim to capture memories before the upcoming Tidal Basin Seawall Reconstruction Project, which may necessitate Stumpy's removal as part of critical infrastructure improvements.
Photograph by David Coleman. The image captures a poignant moment at Washington DC's Tidal Basin, where a crowd of visitors has congregated around the famous cherry tree known as "Stumpy." This gnarled Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus x yedoensis) has become an unexpected star of the National Cherry Blossom Festival due to its unique, twisted form. The popularity of Stumpy reflects the public's connection to these historic trees, which were a gift from Tokyo in 1912. As news of the impending $113 million Tidal Basin Seawall Reconstruction Project spreads, visitors are flocking to Stumpy to capture what may be their final chance to see and photograph this beloved tree in bloom. The project, set to begin in 2024, aims to address critical infrastructure issues and protect the area from rising sea levels and regular flooding. While efforts will be made to preserve as many trees as possible, some, potentially including Stumpy, may need to be removed. This gathering around Stumpy symbolizes not only the enduring appeal of the cherry blossoms but also the challenges of preserving historic landscapes in the face of environmental changes. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, the rehabilitation project represents a significant investment in ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin and its famous cherry trees.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | CherryBlossomWatch / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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