A living symbol of exploration and education takes root in Camas
On Thursday (April 17), Camas High School will proudly plant a rare “Moon Tree” on its campus—one of a limited number of seedlings grown from seeds flown around the Moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission. The Douglas-fir tree, a living symbol of scientific exploration, resilience, and the spirit of discovery, will be planted in a ceremony open to students, staff, and community members at 3:25 p.m.
The Artemis Moon Tree program continues a tradition that began over 50 years ago with the Apollo 14 mission, when astronaut Stuart Roosa carried seeds into lunar orbit. The Artemis I mission renewed this legacy in 2022 by flying 1,000 seeds from five tree species over 280,000 miles through space. These seeds have since germinated into saplings—living reminders of our connection to space, science, and the environment.
Camas High School is one of only a handful of schools nationwide selected to receive a Moon Tree as part of this historic initiative.
“Planting the Moon Tree is more than symbolic,” said Camas High School principal Kelly O’Rourke. “It represents our district’s commitment to curiosity, deeper learning, and preparing our students to be the explorers and innovators of tomorrow. We’re honored to be part of the Artemis generation.”
The Camas Moon Tree will serve as a permanent fixture on campus and an educational touchstone for students to explore science, space, and environmental stewardship. It also represents a connection between the past and the future—linking the pioneering spirit of the Apollo era with Artemis’ bold ambitions to return astronauts to the Moon and one day send them to Mars.
Students in Camas High School’s Green Team will help commemorate the event with a short ceremony beginning at 3:25 p.m. near the planting site on campus.
For more information on NASA’s Moon Tree program and the Artemis mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/moontrees
Information provided by the Camas School District.
Also read:
- Opinion: Small things grow great by concord
Washington’s initiative process gives citizens direct power to challenge lawmakers. Failed restrictions and new measures on girls’ sports, parental rights, and citizenship prove the influence of grassroots action. - Opinion: California’s $20 fast food minimum wage creates less jobs and lower income
Study data show California fast food workers now face fewer shifts, higher menu prices, and widespread automation after the $20 wage hike. - Gov. Ferguson signs law to undo WA estate tax increase enacted last year
Washington rolls back its estate tax hike, restoring previous rates and prompting uncertainty around $340 million in expected revenue for education. - Vancouver house fire displaces residents
Crews from Vancouver Fire Department stopped a living room blaze from spreading, but five residents were forced out due to lingering smoke. - VIDEO: Vote-by-mail rules in WA at risk in SCOTUS election law case
More than 127,000 Washington ballots postmarked by Election Day but received after could be disqualified under a possible Supreme Court ruling, prompting debate from both parties. - Rounding out debate, Gov. Ferguson signs bill addressing retailers’ penny problem
A new Washington law lets merchants round cash purchases to the nearest 5 cents, aiming to manage change as shortages of pennies affect both businesses and customers. - Opinion: State is rightly emphasizing experience and skills, not degrees
Elizabeth New explains how a new state policy removes unnecessary advanced degree requirements, supporting skills-based employment and broadening opportunities for capable workers.
