Rome is home to a very special tree—an Artemis 1 Moon Tree. A powerful piece of space history is now taking root on the grounds of Rome Free Academy at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.
The tree nicknamed “Arti,” is a giant sequoia, grown from a seed that orbited the Moon during the Artemis 1 Mission from November to December 2022. Seeds from five different species traveled 270,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft. Artemis 1 marked NASA’s return to lunar exploration, over 50 years after the Apollo Program.
After the mission, NASA and the U.S. Forest Service retrieved the seeds, which were sent to Forest Service nurseries across the country. Educational institutions were invited to apply to become Moon Tree stewards. The Rome City School District (RCSD) is one of the first 50 applicants selected to receive a Moon Tree during the Spring 2024 planting season. Out of 1,308 applicants, only 148 institutions were chosen.
“It’s an honor to care for this piece of space history,” said Melinda Boufford and Elaine Rotenberry, the Rome Free Academy teachers responsible for securing this opportunity. “Rome was selected based on our tree care plan, educational strategy, and the tree’s potential impact on the community. We want Arti to be everyone’s tree.”
The teachers also highlighted the tree’s symbolic role. “Arti will foster pride and togetherness for the students and staff of the RCSD, the people who work and live in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and the citizens of Rome who can visit the tree. The educational opportunities are limitless, and we hope it will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers while rekindling the wonder of science.”
The tree is located on the grounds of Rome Free Academy, between the bus loop and Route 825, and the public is encouraged to visit.
This opportunity was made possible through a collaboration between NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement and the U.S. Forest Service.
Stay tuned for a community celebration this spring, where elected officials, businesses from Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and community members will gather to celebrate Arti.
Photo (left to right): RFA teachers Elaine Rotenberry, Science Teacher, and Melinda Boufford, Reading Teacher
