Pocatello Welcomes Moon Trees to Idaho State University and American Falls High School
POCATELLO – Excitement is in the air as Idaho has officially received two “moon trees,” seeds that have traveled over a million miles in space as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. Idaho State University announced in May that it will be home to one of these unique trees, while nearby American Falls High School will plant its moon tree in June 2024. The initiative aims to inspire students nationwide to engage with questions surrounding space exploration.
The trees are part of a broader educational effort, allowing students to explore the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) involved in space travel. Amber Tews, assistant director of public operations at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, expressed enthusiasm about the moon tree’s future location, set to be planted in front of the museum on the campus Quad. “It will enhance our educational programming,” she said, encouraging students to envision the journey of seeds that went to the moon and back.
The seeds were among over 2,000 sent aboard the Orion spacecraft, which completed its mission circling the moon in late 2022. As of December 2024, the U.S. Forest Service and NASA had distributed moon trees to 236 locations across the country. In American Falls, the tree will be cared for by student Brianna Morales, under the guidance of plant science teacher Bret Kindall.
This is the second batch of moon trees since the 1971 Apollo 14 mission, which saw seedlings brought back to Earth. Tews noted that ISU previously received a moon tree in 1976, but its fate remains unknown. This new moon tree is currently thriving in the Life Sciences Greenhouse and is set to be planted during ISU’s 125th Anniversary celebration later this year. Tews shared her awe at holding a piece of space: “It was kind of one of these surreal moments to touch a moon tree.”
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
