UW Welcomes Visitors To See Peak Cherry Blossoms This Month

SEATTLE — The University of Washington is inviting residents down to its Seattle campus for the first time in a while to get an up-close look at the cherry blossoms as they hit peak bloom later this month.

Before the pandemic began, the annual spring bloom typically drew large crowds to UW’s quad, where more than two dozen cherry trees put on quite the show. This year, revelers are welcome back and masks will not be required, though visitors are more than welcome to wear them, the university said.

UW arborist Sara Shores said the trees usually reach their peak during the third week in March, which appears to be a good bet this year, too. While impromptu visits are welcome, the 2022 U District Cherry Blossom Festival gets underway on Friday, March 25, with a slew of activities and participating businesses through April 10.

Those making the trip into Seattle can also consult an interactive map of trees across the city and filter selections to the “Prunus” genus to find other spots to spot cherry and plum trees, UW said.

The blossoms are also viewable from anywhere in the world from UW’s live webcam. More information on ways to check out the cherry blossoms is available on the university’s website.

Source: Bellevue Patch