FOX Weather Sunrise: Tidal Basin flooding threatening Cherry Blossom trees in Washington, DC

FOX Weather Sunrise: Tidal Basin flooding threatening Cherry Blossom trees in Washington, DC

One of the main challenges faced by the beloved Cherry Trees on the National Mall is the increased Tidal Basin flooding caused by rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Twice a day and after heavy rainfall, the water levels in the Tidal Basin flood walking paths near the Jefferson Memorial and submerge the roots of the Cherry Trees, a threat to their health and longevity that has only increased as a result of the changing climate.

Thank you, FOX Weather Sunrise, for spotlighting the threats that are being posed to the iconic Cherry Trees that draw millions of visitors from around the world each spring to see their beautiful pink blossoms unfold. The future of this annual DC tradition is becoming increasingly uncertain as the trees face damage from heavy foot-traffic, flooding and more extreme weather patterns.

The Trust for the National Mall supports the long-term care and maintenance of the Cherry Trees by raising funds through the Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign, in which supporters can give at various levels to adopt a tree, branch, blossom or bud. All donations support the National Park Service arborists’ year-round work to protect tree roots, prune and trim the trees and collect tree tissue and soil samples to monitor the health of the trees.

The Trust also supports efforts to develop a long-term solution to the flooding of the Tidal Basin through the Tidal Basin Ideas Lab. The Tidal Basin holds a storied place in the national imagination, but its future is under threat. Without prompt and extensive action, this national treasure will be lost. Crumbling infrastructure and higher tide levels have led to daily flooding, making surrounding sidewalks impassible and endangering the roots of the beloved Cherry Trees. To solve these problems, the Trust for the National Mall in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service launched the Tidal Basin Ideas Lab as an urgent call to action. You can learn more about this important initiative by clicking the button below.

The Cherry Trees are a treasured symbol of friendship and diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan that continue to bring visitors to the National Mall to usher in springtime renewal and hope in our nation’s capital. Make a gift to the Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign to help ensure that these cherished blossoms continue to bloom for the next generation and go to Restoration and Sustainability — Trust for the National Mall to learn more about the sustainable solutions the Trust is helping to build to preserve, protect and enrich the National Mall.