Artemis ‘Moon Tree’ at CV Library
The Castro Valley Library is the new home of an Artemis Generation “Moon Tree.” Out of hundreds of applications, NASA selected local nonprofit ForestR.org with Castro Valley Library as the recipients of one of the seedlings generated from seeds that flew around the moon aboard Artemis I in 2022. After returning to Earth, the tree seeds germinated under the care of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service as the work to identify their new homes was underway. NASA chose institutions based on criteria that evaluated their suitability to care for the various tree species and their ability to maximize educational opportunities around the life and growth of the tree in their communities.
The tree will be named “Lana Luna” after local resident Lana Carlos. Lana Carlos was a bright, young community member who was tragically killed in February 2020. Lana loved space, nature, reading and writing and the library. We are honored to name the Artemis tree after her. Please join us at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, for a short naming ceremony with the Carlos family in our parking lot.
Educational opportunities at the library include a solar system family storytime on Monday, September 16, at 6:00PM with local author Lea Redmond sharing her books OUR FRIEND MOON and OUR FRIEND EARTH.
On Sunday, September 22, from 2:00PM-3:00PM we will be joined by Jessica Cruz, Atmospheric Scientist from the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Ms. Cruz will share information about her work preparing the Mars Rover and other vehicles for travel in space, human preparation for space travel, eating and growing plants in space, and more. This program is for all ages but ideal for ages for 10 and older.
On Saturday, September 28, at 11:00AM, we will hear from local author Rie Neal about her character Astrid from her ASTRID THE ASTRONAUT book series, followed by a space-themed craft. This program is ideal for kids 5-8 yrs.
For more information, call the library at 510-667-7900, or email castrovalley@aclibrary.org.
