Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) and Lilburn Elementary School have been awarded Moon Trees through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service grant. GSMST is slated to receive four seedlings with plans to plant them on the school grounds during a special ceremony on August 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Lilburn Elementary received a Loblolly Pine Tree sapling, which was planted on its campus in May.

     In November 2022, 2,000 seeds from five different tree varieties were sent into space aboard the Artemis 1, the uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS). The “Moon Tree seeds,” as they are known, spent 25 days in space before returning to Earth for germination and cultivation. NASA officials hope the Artemis Moon Tree Seedlings create new ways for communities on Earth to connect with humanity’s space exploration.

     “We are thrilled and excited to care for this sapling and watch it grow as our legacy project for generations to come,” shares Rebecca Beckman, the Lilburn Elementary Computer Science Teacher who applied for the Moon Trees on behalf of the school.

      Georgia is home to three Moon Trees—two at universities and one owned by the federal government. GSMST Science Teacher Dr. Courtney Cox says she pursued the trees in hopes it would encourage and inspire students and the community to expand their spirit of exploration. GSMST’s four trees will represent the most extensive collection of Moon Trees in any one location within the U.S. and the only set specifically designated for science research at the high school level. Dr. Cox’s grant proposal highlights the potential for GSMST students to conduct groundbreaking research using these trees, furthering our understanding of space travel's impact on plant life.

      “We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Cox for her dedication in securing this grant and to NASA for this extraordinary opportunity,” says Logan Malm, GSMST’s principal. “The Moon Trees will be a constant reminder of humanity’s achievements in space exploration and inspire our students to become the next generation of scientists and astronauts.”