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May 5, 2025
Contact:
Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049
Kristy Williams, COSI, 317-518-6860
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and COSI Plant a Moon Tree at Dorrian Green
COLUMBUS - On Saturday, May 3, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and COSI worked together to plant a Moon Tree at Dorrian Green. This tree planting was part of the Big Science Celebration at COSI, a signature event promoting science, discovery and innovation.
During the Artemis I mission in 2022, NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service sent thousands of tree seeds—including sweetgum, sycamore, loblolly pine, Douglas fir and giant sequoia—on a journey around the moon. After arriving back on earth, the seeds were germinated and grown into seedlings, which were distributed to organizations around the United States.
The Moon Tree that was planted by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and COSI was a sweetgum seedling, which is a native tree to Ohio. The sweetgum tree will grow to be 60-75 feet tall and 40-50 feet wide, providing shade for visitors to the park, along with other environmental benefits.
“Trees are vital to our environment, our health and our community’s future," said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. "This Moon Tree is not just a fun and fascinating connection to space exploration—it’s also a powerful way to inspire education about the importance of preserving and growing our natural environment. We're proud to partner with COSI to bring this living symbol of discovery and stewardship to Dorrian Green.”
"At COSI, we believe science is more than just something you study—it's something you experience, and it's woven into the world around us. Planting this Moon Tree, a direct connection to the Artemis I mission and humanity's continued journey to explore beyond our planet, symbolizes the spirit of discovery that COSI is all about," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. "We are honored to partner with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to bring this living piece of space history to our community and to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration."
The planting of the Moon Tree represents a growing partnership between Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and COSI to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect residents to science, nature and the world beyond.
Visitors can now see the Moon Tree at Dorrian Green and reflect on how one small seed can spark a lifetime of curiosity—and growth—for generations to come.
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