New Voices is off today and out enjoying the spring weather and blooms.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off this weekend in DC. The annual event features parades, activities for kids, cultural performances and of course the lovely cherry blossoms along the tidal basin. As a resident of the area, I tend to avoid the crowds downtown and instead head off to the arboretum to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
The National Arboretum was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress and is spread over 446 acres. Since it isn't located down by the Mall, most visitors are completely unaware of its existence. I was down there this weekend and some of the cherry trees are already blooming. Walking by some of the trees this weekend, I noticed signs posted with cartoon microscopes on them! What?
Upon closer inspection, I realized the signs said that important research was in progress and to not disturb the area. Research? at the arboretum? I came home and did some e-research of my own. The arboretum supports researchers studying everything from conservation to taxonomy and generation recombinant disease resistant plants. Anyone out there know more about this?
Even on our days off, we can't help but run into research. Have a great weekend!
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