The green ring will include 20,000 trees in the next decade, walking and bicycle paths

As part of the Tu Bishvat celebrations, this Wednesday, 3.2.10 a ceremony will be held to mark the second stage of the Raanana Forest, dedicated to Raanana dignitaries.  The Raanana municipality has awarded 50 residents with the Yakir Hair Award since 1987.  This second stage of the Raanana Forest, is being planted in their honor as a tribute to their activity and contribution over the years to the city and the community.

As part of the second stage, 120 trees will be planted in northern Raanana at the Kiryat Etgarim hi-tech park, next to Tidhar and Dafna Streets.  In stage one, 150 trees were planted, that require very little water.

As part of the Raanana activity as a green sustainable city, the Raanana forest Project was begun this November, whiff is a unique project to create a green ring around the entire city.  Thousands of trees will be planted around the city, in the coming decade, along with bicycle and walking paths and sitting areas.  The plans will surround the city with trees and the existing plants, including orchards, trees and residential neighborhoods scheduled to be built.

Raanana is one of the five greenest localities in Israel, where 48% of its area is green and open public lands.  The project is an additional step in the development and cultivation of open spaces and part of the municipal vision:  A tree for each resident and a high ratio of open land per capita!

The Raanana Forest will also help preserve energy and protect the climate and natural resource, because trees absorb carbon dioxide helping to reduce greenhouse gases.  Planting trees that require little watering will also help to preserve our water reserves.

Mayor Nahum Hofree:  “The Raanana Forest is a symbol of our commitment to promoting environmental protection for the benefit of future generations.  We have combined the environmental values with values of work on behalf of the community and have dedicated this stage of the forest to Raanana dignitaries.”

In the photo: The Mayor and the Chair of KKL at the opening ceremony of the first stage of the Raanana Forest. Photo courtesy: Motti Ben Aroya