Douglas receives Artemis I Moon Tree

Earlier this month Douglas Elementary and Sloman Primary were selected out of more than 1,300 applicants to receive an Artemis I Moon Tree from the NASA Office of STEM Engagement and the USDA Forest Service.

The tree was grown from a seed that flew aboard Artemis 1 in 2022. This seed traveled farther than any space craft made for humans has ever gone during a 25 1/2-day journey beyond the moon and back.

The tree was planted on campus the first week of April.

Karen Wright, Math, Intervention and STEM Teacher at Sloman Primary and Douglas Elementary, said they were very excited about being chosen as a recipient of a Moon Tree.

“Sloman Primary and Douglas Elementary are both Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Schools. A lot of my STEM lessons focus on aerospace connections in education. I applied for the Moon Tree because I saw it as a unique way to connect my students to both history and science. The idea that this tree’s seed traveled around the moon and back is inspiring, it’s a living symbol of exploration, perseverance, and discovery. As an educator passionate about STEM and environmental education, I wanted to bring something to our school that would spark curiosity and encourage students to dream big, just like the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who made space travel possible. It also ties in beautifully with our Alabama Outdoor Classroom initiative and our TVA STEM grant, reinforcing the importance of conservation and hands-on learning,” Wright said.

“This tree is special because it’s not just any tree, it’s a Moon Tree. Its seed traveled aboard the Artemis I mission in 2022, orbiting the Moon further than any other before returning to earth. That journey makes it a living piece of space history. The only other time tree seeds went to the Moon was during the Apollo 14 Mission in 1971, so this is a rare and meaningful continuation of that legacy. It represents the spirit of exploration, the advancements of science, and the connection between our planet and the universe beyond.

“Beyond its space journey, it’s also special because it’s a Loblolly Pine, a tree native to Alabama. That makes it a perfect addition to our school’s outdoor classroom, where students can observe its growth, learn about space science, and connect with nature all at once. It’s a daily reminder to students that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning!”

Wright said being one of the few selected out of more than 1,300 applicants is an incredible honor.

“When I found out, I was absolutely thrilled! Knowing that our school will have one of these rare Moon Trees is both humbling and exciting. It reinforces the importance of what we’re doing with our outdoor classroom and STEM initiatives, giving students hands-on experiences that connect them to science, history, and the environment in a meaningful way.

“This tree isn’t just for me; it’s for our students, our school, and our community. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow something truly special, and I can’t wait to see the impact it has on the young minds who will learn from it,” she continued.

“This Moon Tree will be an incredible teaching tool for our students, connecting science, history, and environmental education in a hands-on way. It will allow students to explore concepts like space travel, plant biology, and environmental stewardship all through the lens of a living piece of history. In STEM lessons, we can study how the tree grows compared to other Loblolly Pines and discuss whether space travel had any impact on its development. In history, we can learn about the Apollo 14 mission and compare it to Artemis I, helping students understand how space exploration has evolved. It also ties into our Alabama Outdoor Classroom initiative, where students will observe and care for the tree, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.

“Most importantly, this tree serves as a symbol of curiosity and perseverance. I hope it inspires our students to dream big, just like the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who made the Artemis mission possible.”

Wright said their next plans involve ensuring the Moon Tree thrives while also using it as a hands-on learning tool for students.

“Since it’s currently in a dormant state, we’ll monitor its growth closely, tracking when new buds start to form. Students will help care for the tree by watering it regularly and measuring its height over time. We’ll incorporate it into STEM lessons, where students will record data on its growth, compare it to other Loblolly Pines, and discuss whether its journey to space has any impact on its development. There is even a Moon Tree Community that travels to see them all over the world and a webpage to share about the trees.  We’re also working on the best location for planting the tree within our Alabama Outdoor Classroom so that it becomes a permanent part of our school’s learning environment. As it grows, we plan to involve students, staff, parents and the community in its care, whether through educational events, tree care days, or even a special dedication ceremony. We hope this tree will not only inspire our students but also serve as a point of pride for our entire community, reminding everyone of the power of exploration, science, and learning,” Wright said.

“Having this Moon Tree for our students is an incredible opportunity, one that will inspire curiosity, discovery, and a love for learning for years to come. It’s more than just a tree; it’s a symbol of perseverance, exploration, and the boundless possibilities that come with education. Our students will be able to see and touch a piece of space history every day, reminding them that big dreams can take root in even the smallest places. I’m so grateful for the support of our incredible school leaders who make opportunities like this possible. Julie Cordell at Sloman, Kerry Bush at Douglas Elementary, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Wigley, and Alan Garner have all been champions for our students and STEM education. Their dedication to providing hands-on, meaningful learning experiences is what makes our schools such a special place for students to grow and thrive.

“This experience, from applying for the tree to being selected as its custodian, has been truly humbling. I hope this tree stands as a reminder to our students that they, too, can reach for the stars and achieve incredible things.”