As peak cherry blossom season approaches, Montgomery Parks is rolling out an updated online map of cherry trees in parks featuring icons representing different species of cherry trees and their locations. Species growing on parkland include black cherry, Yoshino, Japanese flowering, Higan and Okame cherry trees.
“We want people to realize they don’t necessarily have to drive far to see cherry blossoms,” said Keegan Clifford, Montgomery Parks GIS coordinator. “The flowering cherry trees map may reveal a few trees, or a healthy stand within a short distance of their home.”
Montgomery Parks cherry trees are scattered throughout the county with significant numbers in Brookside Gardens, Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park, and South Germantown Recreational Park. However, good blossom viewing based on tree density is also available at Kemp Mill Urban Park in Wheaton, Leland Neighborhood Park in Chevy Chase, and Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park in Silver Spring.
One thing the online map cannot reveal—the cherry trees’ peak bloom time, which is expected in late March or early April. “Montgomery Parks cherry blossom season is more of a slow rollout rather than a sudden burst of color, due to the presence of several species, which bloom at different times,” said James Polino, Montgomery Parks urban forester. “So, my best advice is regular check-ins on the blossoms in several spots. It‘s a good excuse to get out into nature as spring arrives.“
The cherry trees map is one of many features of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission‘s Geographic Information System (GIS). The computer-based system analyzes, stores and displays geographic information and presents it in a visual and understandable way.