SIUE Earth Day Highlight: Artemis Moon Tree Has a New Home
On April 22 at 9:30 a.m., the planting of an American Sweetgum seedling at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville made for a very special Earth Day in Edwardsville. The Gardens at SIUE crew of master gardeners and naturalists became stewards of an Artemis Moon Tree as a result of a winning application by associate director of admissions Alicia Taylor. Members of SIUE staff, students, volunteers and Garden visitors were on hand for a brief ceremony and live transfer of the seedling “that orbited the Moon” to its permanent home.
Taylor, who initiated the grant process, shared a few words to celebrate the moment and thank Lifelong Learning Institute member, Janet Loeffler, who encouraged her to apply.
“SIUE exists in part because of a local community effort to expand higher education opportunities in the Metro East, and now because of the efforts by a community member who enjoys educational programming hosted by that University, the SIUE community has grown by one sweetgum Moon tree,” said Taylor. “I don't know if Janet was thinking about how generations to come will benefit from something like this when she encouraged me to apply, but that's what I think about. Community efforts big or small have the potential to create a lasting impact. And I hope that this tree stands as a reminder of this to all who wander by and enjoy its presence here in The Gardens.”
"I know a couple of professors out here work with NASA and plants, and as a biologist--as a plant guy-- it's really interesting to me,” said Adrian Davis, a third-year biology student and student worker in The Gardens. “So I'm just interested to see does it grow differently? What can this mean from a scientific standpoint? SIUE really prides itself on research, especially in the natural world. I’m just really excited.”
Davis added, "You know it's going to be here for 100 years, or something like that. And I can't wait to come back here in 20 or so years to rake up the gumballs that drop down from it.”
Emeritus Dean of computer science, Jerry Weinberg, PhD, volunteers as a master gardener at The Gardens and wrote a haiku to honor this unique installation. To preface the special planting, volunteer coordinator for The Gardens, Carol Gardner, read aloud Weinberg’s poem to attendees.
You traveled so far.
Rest now and grow tall Moon tree.
We welcome you home.
PHOTOS: Artemis Moon Tree planted at SIUE on Earth Day; photos by Howard Ash
