SNOW HILL, MD, November 18, 2024 - Students from Snow Hill Middle School had an out of this world assembly this morning as they gathered outside of the school's front exterior to plant a NASA Moon Tree.
As a selected recipient of one of NASA's Artemis I Moon Trees, Snow Hill Middle School received a Loblolly Pine sapling that orbited the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft during the 2022 Artemis I mission. This rare and historic tree was planted on school grounds, symbolizing the intersection of space exploration and environmental stewardship.
Snow Hill Middle School is among the first institutions in the nation chosen to receive these remarkable Moon Tree seedlings. NASA selected recipients based on their ability to both nurture the tree and incorporate educational programs that inspire future generations of scientists and explorers.
"This is a perfect way for students to see firsthand how experiments in space have real meaning here on Earth," said Snow Hill Middle School Library Media Specialist Beau Williams. "With Wallops Island in our backyard, we are fostering the next generation of engineers, mathematicians, biologists, and more, right here in Snow Hill and Worcester County. The hope is through our STEAM engagement, that students will not just wonder about the moon and stars but realize that the possibilities are practically in their hands."
The planting of the Loblolly Pine will be incorporated into the school’s environmental and STEM curriculum, providing a hands-on learning opportunity for students to explore space science and ecological responsibility. As a designated Maryland Green School, Snow Hill Middle School continues its mission of promoting sustainability and environmental education while connecting students to the wonders of space exploration.
"We are honored to receive this sapling and to be part of such an inspiring program," Dr. Matthew Record, principal of Snow Hill Middle School said. "It connects our students with both the legacy and the future of space exploration, encouraging curiosity, innovation, and care for the planet."
NASA’s Moon Tree Program honors the legacy of the original Moon Trees, seeds that orbited the Moon during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. The Artemis I mission saw a diverse array of tree seeds, including sycamore, sweetgum, Douglas fir, and Loblolly Pine, journey 270,000 miles from Earth.
For more information about the Moon Tree Program and Snow Hill Middle School’s initiatives, visit https://stem.nasa.gov/.
