Planting the Future:

SES Welcomes NASA’s “Moon” Tree

In 2022, Artemis I launched as part of a series of missions by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which will enable human exploration on the Moon and possibly future missions to Mars. 

Recently, students at Sabillasville Environmental School (SES) were the recipients of a “Moon” tree, whose seeds flew on Artemis I. Nearly 2,000 seeds from five different tree species—sweetgums, loblolly pines, sycamores, Douglas firs, and giant sequoias—were sent into space as part of a unique experiment. NASA had previously conducted a similar experiment during the Apollo missions, and those “Apollo trees” are still thriving today as lasting symbols of the journey into space. At SES, the Department of Natural Resources staff joined the students to help plant their very own “Moon” tree, further cementing the connection between space exploration and environmental stewardship.

The event became even more memorable with a visit from Dr. Jake Bleacher, NASA’s Chief Exploration Scientist. Bleacher spoke to students about his work on Artemis I and shared exciting plans for the next steps in lunar exploration. Artemis II will send four astronauts into space, paving the way for Artemis IV, which aims to place humans back on the Moon. These missions are crucial to understanding planetary processes, conducting experiments in the lunar environment, studying the origins of lunar polar volatiles, and interpreting the impact history of the Earth-Moon system. Ultimately, NASA hopes these missions will lay the groundwork for future journeys to Mars.

Bleacher emphasized how space research benefits life on Earth, noting that many advancements made in space have practical applications here at home. Reflecting on his visit to SES, he described the experience as “full circle.” Being part of Artemis I and then witnessing students’ excitement about space exploration, while planting a tree tied directly to the mission, was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of NASA’s work.

The experience clearly ignited excitement and inspiration among the students, who Bleacher told are referred to as the “Artemis Generation.”

Dr. Jake Bleacher, Chief Exploration Scientist for NASA (center) with Math Specialist, Barbara Doney, Principal, Sheena Talley, and student representatives from Sabillasville Environmental School with the “Moon” tree.

Students help plant the “Moon” tree, which was grown from seedlings that flew around the moon on Artemis I.