Cherry Blossom Guided Walking Tour of the Tidal Basin It’s a beautiful time in our backyard; a time when Spring delivers us its annual cherry blossom bloom. No matter how long you have lived here, it’s difficult to ever get tired of this magnificent phenomenon. The 2008 festival marks the 96th celebration of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC in 1912. The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses. But have you ever wondered why the trees are planted along the Tidal Basin? Why cherry trees? Who's idea were they anyway? Hear the stories and secrets behind the delicate blossoms during a walking tour featuring not only cherry trees, but also noteworthy arboreal cousins. Join TTD as we celebrate cherry blossom time in Washington with a private tour designed exclusively for our members. Learn about the woman whose cherry tree vision lives on today, a Japanese lantern older than the United States itself, and where you can discover even more pink and white blooms. Enjoy the spirit of the season as we learn about the cherry trees' history we'll also discover the best locations to take pictures of the trees. Suggested Attire: Casual Directions: Meet at Smithsonian Metro Stop on the Mall. Exit on the Mall side of the Smithsonian Metro. We will be at the top of the escalator. Cost: $20.00 Price subject to increase in advance and/or on site.		Saturday Apr 4, 2009 11:00am-1:00pm National Mall & Tidal Basin $20