A bent yet resilient cherry blossom tree, affectionately dubbed Stumpy, has captured the hearts of millions online. But as its fame soared, so did the threats to its existence.
Stumpy is among the casualties slated for removal in an upcoming renovation project aimed at replacing the aging seawall encircling the Tidal Basin. Part of a $113 million initiative, it aims to fortify the basin against rising sea levels and preserve the surrounding national treasures.
Despite its weathered appearance and regular inundation from the Potomac River’s floodwaters, Stumpy defiantly blossoms each spring, a testament to resilience amid adversity.
Mike Litterst, spokesman for the National Mall, announced that the $133 million project aimed at reconstructing and fortifying the seawall is expected to span approximately three years. “It will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience, a priority for us. However, its primary objective is to safeguard the cherry trees, which are currently facing twice-daily inundation of their roots by the brackish water from the Tidal Basin,” Litterst emphasized.
Stumpy: Rise to fame
Since its rise to fame during the pandemic, Stumpy has become a pilgrimage site for visitors seeking inspiration and connection in nature. Its story of survival has sparked a passionate campaign to save it from the chainsaw’s edge, with a Change.org petition calling for its relocation to the National Arboretum.
Already, hundreds have rallied behind ‘Stumpy’, signing the petition in hopes of securing a future for this symbol of resilience. “Stumpy has become more than just a tree,” reads the petition, “it’s a beacon of hope in uncertain times.”
As the debate rages on, the National Park Service assures that while some trees must make way for progress, the legacy of Stumpy and its kin will endure. Plans include the replanting of hundreds of cherry trees, ensuring that the spirit of renewal blossoms anew in the nation’s capital.
Cover Photo: Depositphotos
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