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Essex County is celebrating the increase with a string of events next month at Branch Brook Park. (File photo)
NEWARK — New Jersey's Branch Brook Park is already home to more cherry trees than anywhere else across the country. But, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo announced yesterday that he plans to cement the title by adding 1,000 more to the collection.
"The colorful display of the cherry blossoms throughout Branch Brook Park will be greatly enhanced with the planting of an additional 1,000 trees," bringing the total number of cherry blossoms in the park to 5,000, DiVincenzo said in a release about the announcement.
"This will make the transformation each spring more dramatic and ensure the Cherry Blossoms remain a feature of Branch Brook."
The increased number of trees fulfills a goal set out by the county parks department seven years ago, when it began the cherry blossom replanting program at the park, DiVincenzo said. In addition to the plantings this spring, the county will also prune existing trees and remove dead ones.
The effort will "solidify the fact that Essex County has a larger and more diverse collection than the national display in Washington, DC," the county said in the release.
The additional trees will be planted in time for the 39th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival this April. The festival includes a full calendar of events:
Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race
A competitive race through the park for cyclists happening Saturday, April 12 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cherry Blossom 10K Run
This USATF-sanctioned race goes through the blossoms. A portion of the race proceeds from the 10K benefit the Special Olympics. It's happening Sunday, April 12, with registration starting at 8 a.m., the race at 10 a.m., and a race for the disabled at 10:10 a.m. Register in advance at www.compuscore.com.
1-Mile Fun Run and Walk
Kids can participate individually or as a part of a school or team in this free event on Saturday, April 18. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the race is at 10 a.m. Groups should call 973-268-3500 to register.
Essex County Family Day
Live performances, children's activities, and a fishing derby will all be a part of this year's family event. Bring your own picnic lunch or by food at the event, happening Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bloomfest
The family day will include cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food and more, on Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Guided Tours
The 45-minute trolley tours are $5 per person, and will run from April 15 to April 22. (No tours April 19)
DiVincenzo announced the plan for more trees during his State of the County address last month. Aspen Landscaping will carry out the $610,718 planting and pruning work this spring, the county said.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.