InfoAge Science and History Museums

Is Proud To Announce

NASA Moon Tree lands at InfoAge Science and History Museums

at the InfoAge Space Exploration Center

2300 Marconi Road

Wall, NJ 07719

Sunday June 30, 2024

12:00 PM

The InfoAge Science and History Museums, 2201 Marconi Rd., Wall, NJ, has just received a tree whose seed traveled on a 500,000 mile, 25 day journey around the Moon during November-December 2022.

Infoage is holding a formal dedication and reception at the InfoAge Space Exploration Center Located at 2300 Marconi Road, Sunday June 30, 2024 at 12:00 Noon. There is no fee for this event, however if you chose to attend the lecture at 2:00PM (See Description Below) and visit the museums following the event regular admission will be charged.

The mission, Artemis 1, was the very first test of a new spacecraft (named Orion) that will carry humans back to the moon this decade, as well as the first flight of a huge new rocket, called SLS (Space Launch System). In a flight that was nearly flawless, key technologies were proven that will be necessary for the next generation of lunar astronauts.

Carried aboard the Artemis 1 spacecraft were packets containing about 3,000 seeds from five varieties of trees. When Artemis 1 returned to Earth, the seeds were germinated, grown into saplings and are now being distributed. We have received a sweetgum, which is native to New Jersey, and is known for its beautiful foliage in the fall.

The Artemis Moon Trees are being distributed to museums, education centers and a number of government organizations. An extensive application process was required, which required a detailed community and education outreach plan, and the ability to protect and care for the tree. Infoage was notified recently about our selection, with NASA commenting:

“An extensive review of more than 1300 applications was conducted jointly by the NASA Office of STEM Engagement and the USDA Forest Service, and your combined education impact statement and tree care plan distinguished your application as a top candidate.”

The original Moon Tree program was created for Apollo 14, which flew to the moon in February 1971. Stuart Roosa, the Command Module Pilot for the mission was a Forest Service smokejumper before he joined the military, and later NASA. With Roosa’s history, the Forest Service suggested that about 500 tree seeds be flown aboard the mission. Trees grown from the seeds were distributed throughout the United States and around the world. Moon Trees were also given to several foreign governments as gestures of goodwill.

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, and the USDA’s Forest Service organized this program.