New 'Moon Tree' Finds Home At Lake Forest Elementary School

LAKE FOREST, CA — On Monday, members of the Lake Forest community celebrated the planting of a tree that is out of this world.

The so-called "moon tree," named for its giant Sequoia seeds that were flown around the moon by NASA — was planted at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School after the school was honored in the spring of 2024 as NASA Moon Tree Stewards.

"We’re so proud to be named NASA Moon Tree Stewards. This accomplishment shows that when parents, educators, and communities align in goals, you can reach the moon, and beyond," parent and NASA Moon Tree Celebration Chairperson Liz Gibson told Patch. "Like many parents, we just want our kids to love to learn. Introducing a living space traveler that will grow along with our kids, is a pretty special thing to be a part of."

The school was selected after a rigorous application process, and recipients include governors, major universities, and a select number of K-12 schools.

For more information on the NASA Moon Tree Stewards program, visit NASA's website.