Marshall University has received an out-of-this-world addition to campus, an Artemis Moon Tree (a sweetgum sapling)! NASA’s Artemis campaign aims to return to the Moon for exploration and to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. The first mission, Artemis I, launched on November 16, 2022, marking the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 17 – the last time any human set foot on the moon. During the Apollo 14 mission, Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa carried with him a number of tree seeds that were later cultivated, and the resulting “Moon Trees” were distributed to dignitaries around the world. As a callback to Apollo, the Artemis mission had a second generation of Moon Trees on board, and Marshall University has been honored as a recipient and steward of one of these incredible living pieces of space history! Dr. Rick Gage (Natural Resources and Earth Sciences) led the charge in preparing and submitting the successful application, and the sapling has arrived on campus and been planted near the southeast corner of Old Main. A public dedication ceremony was held on Monday, November 18, 2024 with speakers, NRE Assistant Professor Dr. Rick Gage, COS Dean Dr. Wesley Stites, and Marshall University Provost Dr. Avi Mukherjee at the planting site to officially recognize this historic moment for our community. Photos courtesy of Jessica Hanshaw.
Learn more about our Artemis Moon Tree
