WUSA9 CBS-TV: | Plans underway to restore part of the National Mall

The Trust for the National Mall was thrilled to talk with WUSA-9 CBS-TV about an exciting upcoming project — the sustainable and ecological restoration of Constitution Gardens on the National Mall. WUSA-9’s Marcella Robertson toured the 38-acre site and talked with Trust for the National Mall Executive Vice President Teresa Durkin about the unsustainable ecosystem at Constitution Gardens—highlighting the need for a major ecological overhaul to create a sustainable lake, thriving forest and native plant habitat for wildlife and a welcoming and engaging space where visitors can gather. The Trust is working to raise funds to support this project and is working with the National Park Service to plan and complete this renovation on the National Mall in time for America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026—sure to be a grand celebration on America’s Front Yard.

Constitution Gardens was originally dedicated in 1976 and was built as part of the celebration of America’s Bicentennial. The hastily constructed shallow lake is unsound and not ecologically sustainable. The gardens and original trees were planted on construction fill and poor quality soil, compromising the long-term viability of the surrounding trees and plantings. Today, the area is in critical health and in need of a more environmentally friendly vision and a sustainable future to welcome visitors and create an ecologically sound oasis on the National Mall. Learn about our work to bring private funding and project expertise to transform Constitution Gardens into a healthy haven of respite and recreation: The Rehabilitation of Constitution Gardens.

'The whole place would become a swamp' | Plans underway to restore part of the National Mall

Here’s how restorations of Constitution Gardens will support a functioning ecology.

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