In an attempt to maintain Israel’s forests and prevent forest fires in the future, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and the Jewish National Fund enlist tourists to become “Foresters for a Day.”
About a year ago, the Carmel forest in northern Israel suffered the worst fire in the nation’s modern history and 5,000 hectares of forest land were destroyed. Several Jewish organizations around the world have made efforts to rehabilitate the damaged forest (despite the theories of some ecologists that replanting too soon could disturb the forest’s natural healing process). Joining their efforts now is the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) with a “Forester for a Day” program that will educate eco-tourists about the fire and take steps to prevent forest fires in the future.
During the 2-3 hour program, volunteers work alongside KKL-JNF foresters to take preventative measures against future fires such as clearing underbrush, pruning trees, and preparing fire breaks and forest paths.
Available Sunday through Friday during daylight hours, the “Forester for a Day” program is intended for groups and the group size can vary between 15-150 people. As it wishes to appeal to a variety of eco-tourists, the program is available in English, French, German and Spanish.
The cost of the program is low (only $18), and after their volunteer work the honorary foresters receive Certificates of Appreciation from the KKL-JNF (in addition to a KKL-JNF hat and pin).
:: Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund
Read more about the Carmel forest fire in Israel:
Worst Fire in Israel’s Modern History Continues to Rage Out of Control
Jewish World to Rehabilitate Damaged Carmel Forest
After the Fire: Israel’s Carmel Forest Doesn’t Need Our Help
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
