The Secret Life of UW’s Cherry Blossoms—What You Didn’t Know (w/ Marlee Theil)

Exploring Washington State

Seattle’s cherry blossoms are more than just a stunning spring spectacle—they’re part of a rich history, a scientific research project, and a race against time. 🌿

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of UW’s iconic cherry trees with Marlee Theil, sustainability coordinator and lead researcher for the Cherry Tree Phenology Project. Marlee and her student volunteers are tracking each bloom stage to predict peak bloom, uncover the long-term effects of climate change, and preserve these legendary trees for future generations.

But here’s the twist—the origin story of these trees is a mystery. Were they really a gift from Japan? Were they rescued from a construction project? Or were they planted as part of a secret New Deal initiative? We’ll explore the theories, the science, and why some trees are on borrowed time.

You’ll also hear:

✅ How climate change is shifting peak bloom dates 🌎

✅ The hidden spots on UW’s campus for the best cherry blossom photos 📸

✅ Why Tacoma’s cherry blossoms bloom at a different time than Seattle’s 🤯

✅ What’s being done to ensure these trees thrive for years to come

Whether you’re a cherry blossom fanatic, a nature lover, or just looking for an excuse to visit UW’s campus, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔊 Hit play now and get the inside story of Seattle’s most famous blooms! 🌸🎙️