NEWS RELEASE: Introduction of #BloomCam takes DC’s Beloved Cherry Blossoms Virtual
Introduction of #BloomCam takes DC’s beloved cherry blossoms virtual
Millions of people now self-isolating due to COVID-19 have new way to enjoy and support DC’s famous cherry trees as they hit peak bloom without coming to the Tidal Basin.
WASHINGTON, D.C. March 19, 2020 – The Trust for the National Mall, and The National Cherry Blossom Festival are thrilled to announce a new #BloomCam to allow people to virtually monitor DC’s famous budding cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin in real time as they bloom.
#BloomCam, donated by EarthCam, is now streaming a live, round-the-clock view of the cherry trees at the National Mall Tidal Basin. The BloomCam offers a view from the 1331’s Iconic Residential Views. This launch coincides with the start of spring and peak bloom.
“Once the National Cherry Blossom Festival was canceled, we immediately began thinking creatively about virtual ways to allow the more than 1.5 million people who typically visit this time of year to continue to celebrate and support the cherry blossoms - one of the most popular and beloved sites in Washington, D.C.,” Catherine Townsend, President & CEO of the Trust for the National Mall explains. “It is our goal to encourage collective sharing of the cherry blossoms, albeit from our homes, as symbols of hope, renewal, and friendship during this time, while helping to build a wider community of support for the long-term care and maintenance of these beloved natural treasures on the National Mall.”
While you enjoy the #BloomCam at home, use the hashtag #BloomWhereUR on social media and show us how you’re enjoying the cherry trees from afar.
“Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring and symbolize hope, renewal and friendship and that is especially important right now. We are thrilled we can bring the blossoms to people this year – even if people can’t get to the see the cherry trees,” adds Diana Mayhew, President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The cherry trees need financial support too. The lack of visitors this time of year will have a deep and detrimental impact on their long-term future. The 3,700 cherry trees cared for by the National Park Service across the National Mall include a dozen different varieties and they have one thing in common: they are delicate and require a great deal of care and maintenance to keep them healthy and able to withstand environmental factors and their many visitors and admirers each year.
BACKGROUND ON THE TREES:
• About 90 cherry trees need to be replaced each year.
• The average lifespan of a cherry tree is 40 -50 years old and varies based on species, climate and care.
• Remarkably, a handful of the original cherry trees planted in 1912 are still on the grounds today.
• The cherry trees are delicate and must survive in a unique climate and highly visited environment.
• Keeping them healthy and blooming well requires year-round maintenance for optimal health and longevity, but current funds only allow for limited maintenance.
• The National Park Service (NPS) looks to the Trust for the National Mall to augment budgetary allowance in order to appropriately maintain the cherry trees.
The funds the Trust hope to raise this year are critical to the protection and long-term maintenance of the cherry trees on the National Mall, so it’s important to make sure people know they can financially support the trees from a distance too.
The Trust’s ‘Endow a Cherry Tree Campaign’ raises funds for their Cherry Tree Endowment, which provides the critical care and maintenance needed to protect this legendary treasure. Donations can be made through the #BloomCam page or here: https://www.nationalmall.org/bloomcam.
HOW IT WORKS:
• Those interested can endow tree for $1,000. This can be done individually, through a crowd-funding team, through support as a company or in honor of someone.
• For each $1,000 donated, donors will receive a certificate with a number indicating the general location of the tree their donation will support.
• Donations small or large can be made directly to the Cherry Tree Endowment.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: (Available in person at Tidal Basin, on the phone or via Skype).
• Mike Litterst, Public Affairs Specialist at The National Park Service can talk about the #BloomCam, timing of the blooms and status of the trees.
• Catherine Townsend President/CEO of the Trust for the National Mall or Teresa Durkin, Executive Vice President at Trust for the National Mall can talk about #BloomCam and why it’s so critical to focus on protecting this national treasure by raising funds to fully care for, manage and replace the cherry trees.
• Diana Mayhew, President and CEO, National Cherry Blossom Festival can discuss the Festival next steps and how people can still embrace springtime in the National Capital region while remaining home bound.
ABOUT THE TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL
The Trust for the National Mall is the leading nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, dedicated to enriching the visitor's experience and preserving the historic legacy of the National Mall, home to the history, heroes and hope of America. With 36 million annual visits, the National Mall is one of the most visited parks in the world. With increasing visitors and aging infrastructure, over $600 million is needed in backlog repairs – the largest amount of any national park in the country – and over $200 million in modernized upgrades. Recognizing that Congress cannot alone adequately support the needed improvements to our beloved national treasure, the Trust is dedicated to raising the necessary funds and awareness to accelerate modern and resilient solutions.More information about the Trust and our projects, please visit www.nationalmall.org.
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Media Contacts:
Laura Evans Manatos
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Jennifer Davis
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703-946-9343