Where Are the Moon Trees Planted?

The moon trees are a group of trees that have a unique history. These trees were grown from seeds that were taken by the Apollo 14 mission to the moon in 1971. The seeds were brought back to Earth and planted all over the world. But where exactly can you find these moon trees?

The Origin of the Moon Trees

In 1971, astronaut Stuart Roosa carried a canister containing 500 tree seeds on his journey to the moon. Before he embarked on the mission, Roosa had been a smokejumper, a member of a team of firefighters who jump out of airplanes to fight forest fires. Roosa wanted to carry these seeds with him because he wanted to honor the profession that he had before he became an astronaut.

Planting the Moon Trees

When Roosa returned to Earth, the seeds were planted in a laboratory and were found to have a germination rate of around 80%. The seedlings were then sent to various locations, including the White House and the United Nations headquarters, as well as to countries such as Brazil, Switzerland, and Japan.

Where to Find the Moon Trees

Many of the moon trees can still be found today. Some of the most famous locations include the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., and the Arizona State University campus. In Texas, there is a moon tree at the LBJ Presidential Library, planted by President Lyndon B. Johnson's wife, Lady Bird Johnson.

Other moon trees can be found at various state parks across the US, as well as in Canada and Europe. In some cases, the exact location of the moon trees is unknown, and they may have been lost over time or destroyed.

Why the Moon Trees are Important

The moon trees are not just any ordinary trees. They are a reminder of a time when humans first ventured beyond the Earth and explored another world. They are also a symbol of hope and resilience, as they have been able to grow and survive despite having a unique history.

In addition, the moon trees have been studied by scientists to better understand the effects of exposure to space travel on plant growth. They have also been used in educational programs to teach children about space exploration and the importance of environmental conservation.

Conclusion

The moon trees are a unique and special group of trees that have captured the imagination of people all over the world. Although they are spread out across various locations, they are a reminder of a time when humans first reached for the stars and explored beyond the boundaries of our own planet.