After hundreds of requests, NASA has selected organizations from across the country to receive Moon Tree seedlings that flew around the Moon during the Artemis I mission in 2022. NASA selected the institutions based on criteria that assessed their suitability to care for various tree species and their ability to maximize educational opportunities about tree life and growth in their communities
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“One day a new era of moon trees will stand in communities across America,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA is bringing the spirit of exploration back to Earth because space belongs to everyone. The Artemis generation will carry forward these seedlings that will provide fertile ground for creativity, inspiration and discovery for years to come.”
To commemorate the Artemis I moon trees, NASA Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch visited her home state of North Carolina and attended a tree ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on April 24. Since returning to Earth, the tree seeds have germinated under the care of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Forest Service, while the Next Generation STEM project of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement and the Division of Logistics management from the agency’s Office of Strategic Infrastructure have been working to identify their new homes.
“NASA and the Forest Service will provide a piece of science history to communities across our nation,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. “Through this partnership, future explorers, scientists and conservationists will have the opportunity to cultivate and draw inspiration from these Artemis artifacts in the community where they live, work and learn.”
The original Moon Trees carried by NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa during Apollo 14 traveled 270,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft. A wide range of tree species, including sycamores, eucalyptus, Douglas firs, loblolly pines and giant sequoias, have flown around the Moon’s surface. The first batch of seedlings will be shipped to nearly 50 institutions in 48 contiguous U.S. states.
“What an incredible journey these future moon trees have already been on, and we are excited for them to begin their final journey to permanent homes on campuses and institutions across the country,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “We hope these trees will endure for centuries to come for the public to enjoy, inspiring future generations of scientists and land managers.”
Moon Tree recipients will be invited to share their efforts to engage the public and K-12 students in quarterly virtual meetings starting in summer 2024. Learn about educational resources and activities for educators to share the story and the science of Moon Trees with their students can be found online.
Next Gen STEM is a project of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, developing unique resources and experiences to spark student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and create a skilled, diverse workforce of next generation.
