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A Sweetgum Tree From Space Takes Root In Wayne National Forest

There’s some out-of-this-world news coming from the heart of the Wayne National Forest. Back in May, forest headquarters got a cosmic upgrade with the planting of a Moon Tree sapling, a sweetgum that has literally been to space and back.

So, what’s the deal with this Moon Tree?

Well, it’s part of a super cool collaboration between NASA and the U.S. Forest Service. This sweetgum sapling was one of fewer than 1,500 seedlings that took an epic journey thousands of miles beyond the moon aboard the unmanned Orion spacecraft. Talk about travel goals!

The Artemis I mission, which launched on November 16, 2022, marked the first step in a series of missions aimed at enabling human exploration on the moon.

wayne national forest moon tree
via Facebook

These Moon Tree seedlings were lovingly grown at U.S. Forest Service nurseries, and our sweetgum was nurtured at the Charles E. Bessey Nursery in Halsey, Nebraska. Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are native to southeast Ohio, so this little sapling is right at home here.

Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart couldn’t be prouder of this new addition.

“The Moon Tree reminds us that stewarding the whole often starts as small as a seedling, and with innovation, dedication, and persistence, anything is possible,” he said. “We’re honored to be part of such a unique scientific partnership.”

This stellar idea came from Athens Ranger District Silviculturist Lily Zahor, who nominated the Wayne National Forest to receive a Moon Tree. She was all about making the forest headquarters a prime spot for this special tree, noting its accessibility to local communities and the fact that there will always be a forester to look after it.

wayne national forest moon tree
via Facebook

Zahor even donned a snazzy enamel NASA pin on her U.S. Forest Service uniform collar for the occasion. She and her team carefully planted the Moon Tree near a pavilion, ensuring it will thrive for years to come.

“Ohio has a long and rich history of aviation and aerospace exploration, including the Wright Brothers and John Glenn, who have called the state home,” Zahor shared. “The Moon Tree connects two separate agencies that people wouldn’t appreciate natural resources and natural wonders.”

Visitors are kindly asked to admire this Moon Tree respectfully.

It’s got a protective setup with fencing and wire mesh to keep curious wildlife and maintenance activities from causing any damage. And stay tuned for a dedication ceremony for this little space traveler – the date is still to be determined, but it’s sure to be an event you won’t want to miss!

By the way, this sweetgum isn’t alone in its celestial journey. Other Moon Tree species included sycamores, Douglas-firs, loblolly pines, and giant sequoias.

If you’re curious about the history of Moon Trees, it all started with the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

wayne national forest moon tree
via Facebook

Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa took around 400 to 500 seeds from various trees, including loblolly pine, sweetgum, Douglas-fir, redwood, and sycamore, on a trip to the moon. Roosa was a former U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter, serving as a smokejumper before becoming an astronaut. Talk about a stellar career path!

So next time you’re in the Wayne National Forest, make sure to stop by and say hi to our Moon Tree. It’s a small reminder that with a little innovation and a lot of dedication, even the sky isn’t the limit.

For more fascinating info about Moon Trees and their history, be sure to check out NASA’s Moon Tree page. Happy exploring!