Trees Against the Tide

Trees Against the Tide: An Environmental History of Washington's Cherry Blossoms Washington, D.C.’s cherry trees are famous for their spring blossoms, but keeping them beautiful has often come at a cost to their health. This talk discusses how scientific and botanical expertise helped keep this iconic landscape beautiful, but unwell, throughout the twentieth century. As the trees became attached to U.S.–Japan relations before, during, and after World War II, this presentation traces the turbulent history of maintaining such a famous urban orchard. Garden clubs and citizen scientists frequently clashed with park officials and federal scientists over what was best for the health of the trees versus what was best for the country and foreign diplomacy. Ultimately, many of the decisions made to preserve the orchard’s beauty helped perpetuate the flooding problems that would threaten the trees for generations. About the Speaker Dr. Paradis is a historian of the environment, science and technology, and natural disasters. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and is now a Lecturer in History at UNCW. From the relationship between urban cherry trees and daily flooding to dangerous levels of light pollution in global cities, his publications explore how efforts to improve urban life create environmental risks long before society understands their consequences. -- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Gabriella de Souza, [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.