Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
From the Moon to Monte Sano: Huntsville community gathers together to dedicate “Moon Tree”
Reading time: 3 minutes
On the frigid morning of Thursday, March 20, Huntsville leaders, astronomers and community members alike gathered to commemorate a most unique occasion.
Seeds that have been to the final frontier are beginning to sprout, and the Loblolly Pine aptly named “Moon Tree” has been given a permanent home in Monte Sano State Park.
Space seed takes sprout
For those who may not know, the Moon Tree is the product of seedlings which accompanied the Artemis I mission to the Moon in 2022. It is a wonder of astronomical and ecological proportions, and it is now located in our very own hometown state park.
The implementation of this project was a long road. As a collaboration between NASA, the Von Braun Astronomical Society, the state of Alabama and Monte Sano State Park, years of hard work have finally paid off.
Why Huntsville?
Because of Huntsville’s deep ties to space exploration, there is truly no better place for the tree to live.
The Artemis I mission employed the Orion spacecraft in its journey, which was developed and built right here at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
“The Monte Sano Moon Tree serves as an inspirational symbol of the relationship between Earth and space. This space traveler reminds us to look to the stars and holds special meaning for many of our members who have been and continue to be involved in the exploration of space.”
Alex Hall, Von Braun Astronomical Society President
The project takes root from a venture in 1971. The astronauts of the Apollo 14 mission, Alan Shepherd and Edgar Mitchell, carried seeds as they stepped on the moon. The tree in Monte Sano State Park both pays homage to their efforts and paves the way for the inspiration of new generations.
One giant leap for plant-kind
Artemis is an ongoing series of space exploration missions, with its ultimate goal being to place astronauts on Mars’ surface.
“Artemis is at the dawn of a new era of human exploration. And, as always, deep space human exploration begins right here in Huntsville, Alabama.”
Marcia Lindstrom, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Just another reason we love Huntsville— you can’t find things like this anywhere else.
Make sure to use #MonteSanoMoonTree if you visit!
- Where: Monte Sano State Park – 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801
- When: Every day, 8AM-5PM
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