Dixon Montessori Charter School is proud to announce a special Moon Tree Dedication Ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Courtesy photo of Dixon Montessori Charter School

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Montessori Charter School will sponsor a special Moon Tree Dedication Ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. The school is celebrating its own Moon Tree in honor of Earth Day. This event is open to students, families and the public.

The legacy of Moon Trees dates to 1971, when astronaut Stuart Roosa carried tree seeds in his personal kit aboard Apollo 14. The original resulting “Moon Trees” were planted on government grounds, national monuments and schools, and given to international dignitaries throughout the world.

In tribute to the Apollo 14 legacy and in celebration of the future of space exploration through NASA’s Artemis Program, a new generation of Moon Tree seeds traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft in 2022. These seeds journeyed far beyond the Moon, spending nearly four weeks in space before their return to Earth.

These Moon Trees symbolize the connection between space exploration and environmental stewardship. Courtesy photo of Dixon Montessori Charter School

These trees symbolize the connection between space exploration and environmental stewardship. The Dixon Montessori Moon Tree, received from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and planted in November 2024, represents growth, discovery and our shared responsibility to care for our planet.

The April 22 ceremony will include a brief history of Moon Trees, remarks from school leaders and a formal dedication of the tree.

“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of this historic opportunity,” said Dixon Montessori Charter School executive director Ben Ernest. “This Moon Tree will serve as a living connection to the past achievements of space exploration and an inspiring symbol for our students as they learn about the wonders of science.”

Dixon Montessori Charter School invites all community members to join in the April 22 celebration of this historic “out-of-this-world” event.