The best things in life are tree

Whether you’re up North or down South, there’s a Tu Bishvat tiyul for everyone.

By RACHEL F. WANETIK
Have you seen an almond tree in bloom yet this season? Did you plan a fruit-themed seder in recognition of the bountiful trees? Perhaps you just want to take a walk outside and see signs of spring branching out. Here are some holiday weekend activities that might interest you:
Jerusalem
There is another reason to celebrate nature in all its glory as Deer Valley has been approved for nature park status. Today from 12:30 until 2:30, participate in the festivities with walks in the valley, workshops on recycling, information booths, music and more. Call (02) 625-2357 for more details.
While not a tree-based event directly, the SPNI Jerusalem branch is thinking about the environment and hosts the Free Friday Fest (Shuk Hofshishi) on the last Friday of each month. Today from 11 a.m. at the Sergei Courtyard, Heleni HaMalka 13, you can bring used clothes, books and random stuff to swap or simply leave for others to take.
Today at the Agnon House from 10 a.m.-12noon, you can take a tour in English of the premises, hear some of Agnon’s stories and watch a short film about the writer’s life. For the children there will be a special holiday art workshop. Pre-registration is advised so if you are reading this early enough in the day, call (02) 671-6498. Visit agnonhouse.org.il for future events.
Today and tomorrow at the Bloomfield Science Museum learn about the relationship between planting trees and global warming. This hot topic relating to environmental quality will be covered in order to raise awareness and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check out mada.org.il for information on all of their exhibits.
Want to be part of something big? At the Givat Ram Botanical Gardens today from 10 a.m. until 3, help plant a carpet of colorful pansies on half a dunam of land. Approximately 12,500 seedlings will be earthed, maybe with your assistance. Walking tours for adults and families as well as guided Flower Train tours will be held today. On Israeli Arbor Day (Saturday), garden tours with an emphasis on the trees will start on the hours of 11 a.m., 12noon, 1 and 2. Entry is NIS 25, NIS 15 for children and for Botanical Gardens members, entrance is free. (02) 679-4012/3
Tel Aviv Area
Today beginning at 9 a.m. on Rothschild Boulevard, there will be a free JNF distribution of seedlings while supplies last.
On Saturday, The Museum of Man and the Living World (Adam VeChai) in Ramat Gan marks both Tu Bishvat and the 60th birthday of the national park in which it is situated. There will be celebratory activities – involving planting of course – held at 11 a.m., 12noon and 1. In addition, there are permanent and temporary educational exhibits on all kinds of subjects. NIS 25 fee includes museum entry. Visit adamvechai.org.il or call (03) 631-5010 for more details.
Haifa
The Cinemall in Lev HaMifratz has been hosting a culinary fair on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 2 for several months. In celebration of the holiday of trees, seedlings will be available as the perfect gift for a loved one. Today there will also be an activity of potting a rosemary bush and decorating the container. On your next weekend visit up north, stop by the Cinemall for homemade treats, fresh produce, natural cosmetics, wine, dairy delights, dried fruits and more.
Nationwide
It may be a bit cold outside but if you bundle up, a hike in the fresh air would do you good. The Jewish National Fund has several free hikes and planting activities in store. Even if this weekend is too short notice, remember that nature will only get more colorful as spring sets in. Watch the events listings for future nature-based events.
Tours of JNF Forests will be held today from 9 a.m. until 3. Each participating family will receive one sapling for planting. The participating forests include Netofa in the north, Modi’in Park in the center and the Beersheba River Park in the south.
At 10 a.m. and 1:30 today, take part in a Winter Flowers Tour in any one of a variety of locations. The Beit Keshet Forest, Park Ramat Menashe, the Shuster ring path in the Judean Hills, Park Ayalon-Canada and Malachim Shahariah Forest in the south will have guided hikes and tours.
From 10 a.m. until 2 on Tu Bishvat (Saturday), experience the colors of nature in the Ben Shemen Forest. This tour will not include planting but each family can decorate a flowerpot to take home.
Pre-registration is required for these events so call right away: 1-800-350-550.