Tree Planting Nachshon Junction
April 24th 2014
Thanks to its iconic “blue boxes,” which have been used by Diaspora Zionists to raise funds for development of the homeland for many generations, Keren Kayemet Le’Israel – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has planted over 240 million trees in Israel since 1901. Indeed, forestation of the Holy Land is one of the endeavors that most effectively enables lovers of Israel around the globe feel to feel connected to life here. At the centrally located Nachshon Forest, visitors can take this connection literally to new depths, rolling up their sleeves and physically contributing to the greening of Israel.
KKL-JNF operates two tree planting centers that are specially designed for tourists who want to plant a tree with their own two hands. The Nachshon Junction tree planting center is located approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and the other center at Golani Junction. 
The tree planting center in the Nachshon Forest covers 60 acres. KKL-JNF foresters offer carob, terebinth, christ’s thorn jujube and conifers, all species that grow well in this locale. Saplings are raised in the KKL-JNF nurseries until they are a year old, at which time they become available for visitors to plant. After you and your group leave the planting site, the foresters continue to care for the saplings you’ve planted until they are firmly rooted.
The tree planting center is only a small part of the entire Nachshon Forest, which stretches over 875 acres. Another part of the forest is known as Yaar Hamaginim, the Defenders Forest, and is dedicated to the memory of Israeli soldiers who fell in battle defending the State of Israel. While you’re there, take time to explore the many hiking and cycling trails that run through Nachshon Forest, including one of the four official sections of the Tel Aviv – Jerusalem cycling trail.
Since the Nachshon Junction tree planting center is located in the middle of the country, a morning spent planting trees can be coupled with an afternoon exploring other sites in the vicinity, including the ancient archeological site of Tel Gezer, Mini Israel, Latrun and Yitzchak Rabin Park.
