Monterey's Celestial Redwood: The Moon Tree
Discover Monterey's Moon Tree: A coast redwood grown from a seed that journeyed to the moon on Apollo 14, planted in 1976 near historic Colton Hall, a symbol of space exploration.
The Monterey Moon Tree, a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Friendly Plaza, stands as a living testament to space exploration and American history. Planted in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebration, this tree grew from a seed carried to the moon and back by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971. While orbiting the moon, Roosa, a former U.S. Forest Service smokejumper, carried hundreds of seeds to determine if exposure to cosmic radiation would affect their growth. The resulting seedlings, known as "Moon Trees," were distributed across the United States and the world. The Monterey Moon Tree, located near Colton Hall, where California's constitution was drafted, offers a unique blend of space-age wonder and historical significance, making it a compelling stop for visitors exploring Monterey's rich heritage. Despite no observable differences between Moon Tree seeds and Earth-bound seeds, the tree remains a symbol of human achievement and the spirit of exploration.
A brief summary to Monterey Moon Tree
- 536-570 Pacific St, Monterey, California, 93940, US
Local tips
- Visit Colton Hall next to the Moon Tree to learn about the drafting of California's constitution and the history of Monterey.
- Look for the commemorative plaque near the base of the tree that tells the story of the Moon Tree's journey to space.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Friendly Plaza to enjoy the other trees and plants in this peaceful urban oasis.
Getting There
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Walking
From the heart of Downtown Monterey, head south on Alvarado Street towards Pacific Street. Continue straight on Pacific Street for about 0.3 miles. The Monterey Moon Tree is located at 536-570 Pacific Street in Friendly Plaza, next to Colton Hall. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Several Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus lines serve the downtown Monterey area. From the nearest bus stops on Pacific Street, such as the one at Tyler Street, it's a short walk to Friendly Plaza. Check the MST website for schedules and routes. A single ride fare is approximately $2.50.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to the intersection of Pacific Street and Madison Street in Monterey. Limited street parking is available in the vicinity, with time limits and fees. Parking meters typically cost $2.50 per hour. Alternatively, paid parking lots are available nearby, such as the one at the corner of Pacific and Jefferson Streets. Parking fees in these lots range from $10-$20 per day.
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