Moon Tree, Kansas

In 1971, 400 - 500 seeds were transported to the moon and back by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa. The seeds were then germinated while under the care of the U.S. Forestry Service, and the resulting seedlings given away over a number of years. The seedlings have found their way to a variety of locations both domestic and foreign, including the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas. This particular moon tree (a sycamore), was planted in 1986 by Apollo 17 astronaut Ron Evans, and is dedicated to the seventeen astronauts who died while advancing space exploration.