The tree was only a seed when, on November 16, 2022, it travelled 270,000 miles away from Earth on Artemis I with 1,200 other tree seeds. The tree seeds spent four weeks in space.

When the seeds returned to Earth, NASA and the U.S Forest Service collaborated in growing the seeds into seedlings–or Moon Trees. The Forest Service opened applications for Moon Tree stewards from August to October 2023. Many school districts across the country applied to be a home for a Moon Tree seedling including South physics teacher Dr. Danielle Buggé.

Dr. Buggé said, “This was something we wanted to bring to South because planting and caring for a Moon Tree provid

es a unique opportunity for not only our students but also our community to be a part of history.”

The Moon Tree arrived at South on October 25, 2024 and was ready to be planted five days later. Dr. Buggé recounted, “On a crisp, fall morning, the AVID class of 2026, members of the community and I gathered at Moon Tree.

Moon tree planted on South grounds. South to plant our Moon Tree. Surrounded by red and orange sweetgum leaves, we worked together to dig a hole, and carefully planted the tree.”

Now, came the time to figure out how to care for the Moon Tree. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring its survival. Dr. Buggé and science teacher Jennifer Bridgewater collaborated with science supervisor Richard Stec and the buildings and grounds crew to give the Moon Tree the best opportunity to thrive on South grounds.Students in AP Environmental Science facilitated a lesson about the Moon Tree to students at Maurice Hawk Elementary School.

Ms. Bridgewater said, “After teaching their lessons the students said they felt equal parts proud of what they accomplished and exhausted by the energy and excitement their students threw at them.” Piya Gupta (‘26), a student involved in the project, said. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m very grateful to have been involved.”