News & Updates, Heritage / Our Future
News & Updates, Heritage / Our Future
The Legacy of the Moon Trees: Living Relics and Future Generations
In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region, where dense forests stretch out beneath some of the darkest skies in the state, a unique legacy is quietly growing. Special trees, known as Moon Trees, are not only part of the region’s rich ecological heritage but are also symbolic of humankind’s giant leap into space. While these trees continue to thrive in the secluded corners of the state, they represent much more than just botanical marvels—they are part of a broader movement to preserve the natural wonders of the earth, including its night skies.
Moon Trees are the result of an extraordinary experiment that took place during the Apollo space program. In 1973, a group of seeds from various tree species—including sycamore, redwood, pine, and sweetgum—were flown aboard the Apollo 14 mission to the moon. These seeds orbited the moon and, after returning to Earth, were planted around the United States, with a number of them finding their way into public parks and conservation areas.
After germination, the trees were distributed throughout the country in celebration of the nation’s 1976 bicentennial. A notable cluster of Moon Trees is found in Pennsylvania and in the region known for its sprawling forests, rich lumber history, and serene natural beauty. Today, these trees stand as a living testament to both space exploration and the environment.
Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region is home to some of these iconic Moon Trees. This area, known for its extensive forests and rich ecological history, offers the ideal setting for the growth and preservation of these unique trees. The region, with its low population density and vast stretches of wilderness, provides an opportunity for the public to connect with nature.
These Moon Trees are more than just a link to the past. They are part of a larger effort to preserve the region’s environmental heritage. In addition to their role as living relics of space exploration, they are situated within one of the darkest regions in the state, offering some of the best opportunities for stargazing. The area’s minimal light pollution provides an experience away from the artificial light that can diminish the natural beauty of the night sky.
The dark skies of the Lumber Heritage Region are one of its most cherished qualities, making it an ideal location for stargazing, astronomy, and peaceful connection with nature. Yet, as light pollution encroaches upon these dark spaces, the need to protect these skies becomes even more urgent.
While much of the region remains relatively free of the bright glow associated with larger cities, nearby towns and other artificial light sources contribute to increasing light pollution. Preserving the natural beauty of the night sky has become a key concern for local communities and conservation groups. Efforts to mitigate light pollution include initiatives to promote dark sky-friendly lighting and to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of poorly-planned artificial lighting.
For example, Cherry Springs State Park, located within the region, has become a hub for dark sky preservation and stargazing activities. As an International Dark Sky Park, it attracts visitors from across the nation who come to experience the night sky in its most natural state. This preservation effort is important not only for stargazing but also for protecting the delicate ecosystems that rely on the natural rhythms of day and night.
The Lumber Heritage Region is supportive of related projects and is currently working with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the County of Cameron as a Master Site Plan is developed to enhance a stargazing site that has the potential to eventually become designated as another official Dark Sky area.
The Moon Trees, planted in various conservation areas throughout the region, are part of a larger commitment to environmental preservation. Just as these trees are symbols of our connection to the cosmos, they also serve as symbols of the need to protect and appreciate our natural world. The efforts to conserve dark skies, protect the trees, and maintain a connection to the wilderness are all interconnected in this region’s conservation initiatives.
The protection of dark skies is not only about enhancing our ability to stargaze but also about maintaining the balance of the natural world. Nocturnal wildlife, from bats to insects to amphibians, rely on the darkness of the night to sustain their natural behaviors. Light pollution disrupts these rhythms, harming wildlife populations and diminishing the quality of the environment. Light pollution even has adverse effects on human health and wellness. By preserving dark skies, these ecosystems are given better chances to continue thriving.
The Lumber Heritage Region is one of the last places in Pennsylvania where people can experience the night sky as they were meant to be seen—uninterrupted by the artificial glow of city lights. This rare opportunity to connect with the natural world at night, paired with the historic significance of the Moon Trees, makes the region a living museum of both ecological and space history.
In addition to their role as living symbols of the Apollo mission, the Moon Trees in the Lumber Heritage Region have come to represent a broader conservation effort. Just as the forests themselves are carefully managed, so too are the skies above them. As more people become aware of the importance of dark sky preservation, the connection between the Moon Trees and the surrounding wilderness grows stronger.
The commitment to preserving its natural heritage, including the Moon Trees and its dark skies, remains a key focus for organizations like the Lumber Heritage Region. Local communities, conservationists, and visitors all play a role in ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the night sky, free from the encroaching light pollution that threatens it.
The Moon Trees, planted as a tribute to human achievement in space, now stand as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. Protecting both the trees and the skies ensures that this unique connection to the cosmos remains intact for years to come. This future is being further enhanced by the ongoing Moon Tree mission, with new Moon Trees being planted at important sites across the country. An exciting addition to this effort is the announcement that the Penn State Arboretum is to be the recipient of one of the new generations of Moon Trees. The Arboretum is located in Centre County, within the Lumber Heritage Region, and plans to feature the Moon Tree during Earth Week activities in April 2025. This gesture further strengthens the bond between the region’s natural heritage and its connection to space exploration.
As we continue to explore space and push the boundaries of human knowledge, it is vital that we also look inward, toward the natural wonders on our own planet, and protect them for future generations. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said, “We hope these trees will stand for centuries to come for the public’s enjoyment, inspiring future generations of scientists and land stewards”.
Recipients of Original Moon Trees within the Lumber Heritage Region of PA:
Recipients of Original Moon Trees within Pennsylvania (outside of LHR):
*While Ebensburg, the county seat of Cambria County, is located outside the core of the Lumber Heritage Region, northern Cambria County falls within the geographical area of the region. As a part of the Allegheny Plateau, Cambria County contributes to the area’s rich history of forestry and lumber production. The county’s natural landscape and historical significance align with the values of the Lumber Heritage Region, and its proximity to other key sites within the region underscores its connection to the cultural and ecological legacy of Pennsylvania’s lumbering past.
To learn more about protecting the night, visit https://darksky.org/.
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/moon_tree.html
https://www.psu.edu/news/campus-life/story/arboretum-penn-state-plant-moon-tree-childrens-garden
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-stem-artemis-moon-trees/
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