Long Branch’s “Moon Tree” Gets Its Name

Late last year, Long Branch Elementary won the honor of receiving a “Moon Tree” from NASA. Moon Tree seeds traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft. The seeds traveled thousands of miles beyond the Moon, spending about 4 weeks in space before returning to Earth. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement partnered with U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services to fly five species of tree seeds aboard Artemis I as part of a national STEM Engagement and conservation education initiative. Learn More about Moon Trees

On October 28, Long Branch hosted NASA representatives who gave a short presentation and helped to introduce the tree’s official name, “Artie.” Artie was planted earlier this year, and continues to thrive on the Long Branch school grounds to help encourage STEM integration in education, and as a reminder of the importance of conservation.