Hunterdon County highlights ‘Space Shuttle Tree’ grown from seed carried aboard Columbia
LEBANON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Division of Parks & Recreation is spotlighting a unique feature in its Arboretum Garden — a Pinus strobus, or Eastern white pine, grown from a seed that traveled into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997.
The so-called “Space Shuttle Tree” traces its origin to April 1997, when New Jersey native and NASA astronaut Gregory T. Linteris, Ph.D., took a collection of tree seeds on Columbia’s STS-83 mission. The seeds orbited Earth at 17,500 miles per hour, covering over 1.5 million miles before returning to the planet.
One of those seeds was germinated by the New Jersey Forest Service and later planted in Hunterdon County on Arbor Day, April 29, 2011. The tree continues to thrive today in the Arboretum Garden at 1020 Route 31 in Lebanon.
“This tree is a symbol of what’s possible when science and nature come together — it’s not every day that a tree with a 1.5-million-mile resume finds its place in our garden,” said Commissioner Director John E. Lanza, who also serves as liaison to the Parks & Recreation Division. “We hope the Space Shuttle Tree inspires both kids and adults to come visit the Arboretum and see the product of innovation and environmental stewardship.”
The tree was planted in collaboration with the Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission, county officials, and local residents. In addition to its scientific legacy, the tree also serves as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Columbia, which was tragically lost during a 2003 mission.
“Eastern white pines have existed in North America for thousands of years, but this one has a truly extraordinary story,” said Ryan Preston, division head of Parks & Recreation. “It traveled 184 miles into space — a perfect example of how we aim to blend education and exploration through our programming.”
Visitors are encouraged to stop by and see the Space Shuttle Tree and learn more about its origins. For additional details on summer events and programs, contact the Parks & Recreation Division at 908-782-1158.
