The Perkiomen Valley School District has been chosen by NASA and the US Forest Service to receive an Artemis Moon Tree.
This unique sweet gum tree, which traveled on a 25-day mission around the moon into deep space before returning to Earth, symbolizes the spirit of exploration and discovery that we strive to instill in our students.
PVSD is among a very select group of governmental bodies, private industries, universities, and K-12 institutions across the nation to receive such an honor. This Moon Tree will be planted on the grounds of Middle School East, in a prominent location next to the trailhead kiosk at PV Woods- Lenape Arboretum, providing a lasting reminder of the possibilities that lie beyond our planet.
We invite the PV Community to join us for the Moon Tree Planting Ceremony on Saturday, June 1st, at 3:20 p.m., immediately following our Food Truck Art Festival. This day promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating both our community’s artistic talents and our commitment to scientific advancement.
In addition, we are excited to share that we are in discussions with The Pratt Institute to explore the use of an innovative hydrogel called AquaSteady, developed by their researchers, in our reforestation efforts. This cutting-edge material could be used on our Moon Tree, and we are excited about the potential benefits it could bring to our arboretums. A representative from The Pratt Institute will also be speaking at the tree planting about this fascinating research.
Receiving this Moon Tree is not just a recognition of our district’s achievements but also a responsibility. We are required to report our progress quarterly to NASA and the US Forest Service. This aligns perfectly with our STEELS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, Literacy, and Sustainability) standards and underscores our dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.
We hope you can join us for this momentous occasion. Your presence and support are invaluable as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Visit: PV Woods – Moon Tree Landing for news and updates
According to a press release, NASA has selected organizations from across the country to receive Moon Tree seedlings that flew around the Moon on the agency’s Artemis I mission in 2022, to plant in their communities.
Notifications to selected institutions will be made in phases, with the first beginning this spring, followed by notifications in fall 2024, spring 2025, and fall 2025.
NASA chose institutions based on criteria that evaluated their suitability to care for the various tree species and their ability to maximize educational opportunities around the life and growth of the tree in their communities.
“A new era of Moon trees will one day stand tall in communities across America,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA is bringing the spirit of exploration back down to Earth because space belongs to everyone. The Artemis Generation will carry forth these seedlings that will be fertile ground for creativity, inspiration, and discovery for years to come.”
Since returning to Earth, the tree seeds have been germinating under the care of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Forest Service, as NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement’s Next Generation STEM project and the agency’s Office of Strategic Infrastructure’s Logistics Management division worked to identify their new homes.
“Together, NASA and the Forest Service will deliver a piece of science history to communities across our nation,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. “Through this partnership, future explorers, scientists, and environmentalists will have the opportunity to nurture and be inspired by these Artemis artifacts in the community where they live, work, and learn.”
The Artemis I Moon Trees, rooted in the legacy of the original Moon Trees flown by NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa during Apollo 14, journeyed 270,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft. A diverse array of tree species, including sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas firs, loblolly pines, and giant sequoias, were flown around the surface of the Moon. The first batch of seedlings will ship to almost 50 institutions across 48 contiguous U.S. states.
“What an incredible journey these future Moon Trees have already been on, and we’re excited for them to begin the final journey to permanent homes on campuses and institutions across the country,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “We hope these trees will stand for centuries to come for the public’s enjoyment, inspiring future generations of scientists and land stewards.”
Moon Tree recipients will be invited to share their efforts to engage with the public and K-12 learners at quarterly virtual gatherings beginning in summer 2024. Information on educational resources and activities available to educators to share the story and science of Moon Trees with their students can be found online.
Next Gen STEM is a project within NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, which develops unique resources and experiences to spark student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, and build a skilled and diverse next generation workforce.
