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Branch Brook Park: A Hidden Gem of Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey

Upon relocating to New Jersey over twenty years ago, a friend mentioned a park boasting more cherry blossom trees than the famed Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms. Skeptical at first, I eventually participated in the Essex County Branch Brook Park 10K in 2018. To my astonishment, I discovered an impressive array of cherry blossom trees just a stone’s throw from New York City. My experience in D.C. the following year at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile left me somewhat disenchanted.

While Washington, D.C. proudly showcases around 3,800 cherry blossom trees, it turns out Newark, New Jersey’s lesser-known Branch Brook Park trumps that with an astonishing 5,300 trees, surpassing the capital by an impressive 1,500 trees.

Conveniently located approximately 12 miles from Manhattan, this sprawling 360-acre park features a diverse collection of 18 cherry blossom varieties, making it the largest in the country. In 2023, the park celebrated the 49th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, with events continuing until April 30.

At this time of year, Branch Brook Park is in the throes of its blooming season, with peak blossoms expected through April 18, as confirmed by the Branch Brook Park Alliance. The extensive variety of trees here ensures that visitors can enjoy the season from late March through early May.

Branch Brook Park isn’t just a botanical wonder. Designed in 1867 by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, credited for creating New York City’s Central Park, this park stands out as the first county park in the nation to be opened for public enjoyment, and it is recognized on both state and national historic registries.

The park’s historical cherry blossom collection took root in 1927 when philanthropist Caroline Bamberger Fuld donated 2,500 cherry trees. This blossoming tradition led to the establishment of an annual Cherry Blossom Festival in 1978, aimed at celebrating this floral splendor. However, by 2006, many of the original trees had deteriorated due to age, prompting the launch of an ambitious planting program designed to revitalize the park’s cherry blossom population.

Though it may not boast the same recognition as other cherry blossom hot spots, the park has been gaining attention, with visitors frequently exceeding 10,000 during peak bloom periods. The past year saw the introduction of a $10 million Cherry Blossom Visitor Center, enhancing the overall experience for tourists.

“Standing in front of the cherry blossom trees is where many of our lives’ cherished moments unfold,” remarked Thomas Dougherty, Chairman of the Branch Brook Park Alliance, in a recent statement. “In addition to the beauty of the park, the festival is an opportunity to celebrate and thrive because of the tourism.”

My own connection with Branch Brook Park deepened during the pandemic; it transformed into a sanctuary where I spent hours walking its paths and even working remotely from my car beneath the blooming trees.

Recently, while strolling around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., as the cherry blossoms began to emerge, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unique vibrancy of my local park’s flora. The blossoms here possess a more diverse array of colors and extend their blooming period longer, affirming why the Garden State truly lives up to its reputation.

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