Stumpy the Cherry Tree, Mascot of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Events, Slated for Removal

The National Park Service just announced that it is preparing for a three-year, $113 million rehabilitation of the seawalls around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River through West Potomac Park funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund. As part of the rehabilitation project, some 140 cherry trees, including the popular tree known as "Stumpy" to Washington, DC residents, and the new mascot of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K, will be removed.

Read more about Stumpy here.

Phil Stewart, director of the Cherry Blossom events, stated, "Like many, we are saddened to see Stumpy and approximately 140 other cherry trees slated for removal from the Tidal Basin. However, we understand the critical need for the National Park Service’s construction work on the seawall as a long-term investment in keeping the trees vibrant into the future. This news makes 2024 the perfect year for us to celebrate Stumpy, as the tree will be featured on our participant shirts and finisher medals, and even make his debut as our new mascot. We look forward to commemorating Stumpy throughout our race weekend of April 6-7 with a parade of 10 Mile and 5K runners who can say farewell to a generation of trees that have created a beautiful landscape for many years, while ensuring a safe environment for a new generation. In true Stumpy fashion, his resiliency will be showcased once again as he will live on as the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile mascot."