Things to do / Travel Guide
In close proximity to the lush Appalachian Mountains, thick forests feature some 135 different types of trees. Many species of Evergreen trees are native to the surrounding areas of the city. Within the city itself, The Mall is dotted with some 5,000 trees.
The most prominent tree and associated with the DC area is the cherry blossom, of which 3,700 are planted in the Tidal Basin area. The trees, which can be found all over the city and its suburbs, bloom in late March, at which time an annual festival is held. The cherry tree has always been associated with DC from the well-known legend of George Washington and the cherry tree. As the story has been told, a young George refused to tell a lie and had to admit to his father that he had cut down a cherry tree. A favorite tale in American folklore, while never proven to have actually happened, the story of George Washington and the cherry tree is said to illustrate the honesty of the country's first president.
Development and urbanization has driven most large animals out of the DC area but many smaller animals and birds can still be found within the city, including gray squirrels, raccoons, and striped skunks. As these animals might avoid the more heavily-populated downtown areas during the days, if you're intent on seeing some of these creatures you should head to Rock Creek Park, within the city borders.
For birdwatchers, its best to head southward into the Tidewater Basin in Virginia. From there, hundreds of thousands of birds head south each winter. In the summertime, wading birds like egrets and heron can be found there in large numbers.
Nature Spots in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
Nature-Wildlife
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