"Loss of Iconic Cherry Blossom Trees in DC and the Impact of Climate Change"

More than 100 iconic cherry blossom trees, including the social media phenom 'Stumpy', are being cut down in Washington, DC as part of a multiyear restoration project to replace the deteriorating seawall around the Tidal Basin. The $133 million project aims to protect the cherry trees from regular flooding caused by rising sea levels. Despite the loss of these trees, plans include planting 277 replacements and using the removed trees for mulch. Climate change has also impacted the cherry trees, causing peak bloom to occur earlier in the calendar.