"Climate Change Threatens D.C.'s Cherry Blossoms: Impact on Peak Bloom and Tree Removal"
Stumpy, a hollow cherry tree at the Tidal Basin in Washington, is gaining celebrity status as it faces removal due to construction of a new sea wall. Visitors and organizations are honoring and celebrating the tree during its last full bloom, with a Stumpy mascot appearing at events and a Lego version on display. The sea wall project will begin in May, and Stumpy is among about 300 trees that will be cut down this year. Efforts are being made to create genetic matches and replant little Stumpy clones on the National Mall or nearby parks.