A community forest is a green lung near the urban space and its surroundings. The forest is also a social and cultural gathering spot for the local community. Management of the forest is also based on the principles of active community involvement.
The community forest also provides a solution for a growing number of people in the Israeli public who recognize the connection between the quality of living, positive community relationships, green environment and emotional connection to their living environment, as opposed to the stress brought by modern life. Jerusalem has three community forests in which different activities for all ages take place.
The community forests are a joint venture of the Jerusalem municipality and KKL-JNF, and along with the community activities that take place within them, they are also part of the struggle against the climate crisis.
Ramot Community Forest – the forest was established 20 years ago by several activist residents, who were worried that construction projects in the area could hurt the grove and the natural landscape of Jerusalem. They decided to establish the "Ramot for the Community" society, for the preservation of the forest, and along with many partners including the municipality and KKL-JNF, the Ramot community forest opened. To this day, the community organizes activities for children, adults and families. Recently, the forest went through extensive renovations aimed at making it accessible for people with disabilities.
20 forest trustees lead the community activities and maintain the forest.
Yael Bar On, manager of the community department at the community management of Ramat Alon and a referee of the community forest: "I'm excited about our forest, a project born of joint community process of KKL-JNF with the neighborhood community, one which will allow more people to experience our amazing green lung used by the community for over 20 years. During the recent Sukkoth holiday, we held a pilot for the accessible forest and hosted children from a school for children with special needs. For the first time, children with wheelchairs came to our forest, and it was a charming sight."
Recently, the site began hosting activities for the orthodox sector, an initiative led by the Ma'ale Ramot community management. Pupils from the area come with their teachers to the forest where educational activities, along with forest-cleaning activities are held. Fathers and sons enjoy joint activities and the community gets stronger exposure to the forest, nature, and their importance in their lives.
The Har Nof Community Forest is a part of the Jerusalem forest, which shares its border with the neighborhood.
The main recreation areas in the forest are at the Abu Danan Street and the Zerah Barnet Street. Both are picnic recreation areas equipped with tables, play facilities and barbeque facilities.
Another recreation area used for community activities is the Haruv recreation area.
In a joint decision with the residents, it was decided to start an upgrade process at the Abu Danan recreation area. The upgrade plan is being finalized, and upon its completion, it will be presented for public comments. The plan for the recreation area include a travel trail going down from the recreation area toward the Revida stream, connecting to a trail system at the Jerusalem forest.
The Ein Kerem Community Forest – is also a part of the Jerusalem forest which surrounds the neighborhood, including the small quite community garden located at the end of Shvil HaTzukim Street. The residents tell that the forest is used by them as a relaxing spot in the midst of the city's noises. Despite several ideas suggested for an upgrade of the forest, the residents asked to avoid doing so, and leave the forest as it is, other than recently built two benches aimed to serve the elderly population. 15 forest trustees maintain the forest and lead community activities for residents and visitors. The Ruah Nachon Yeshiva, located in the neighborhood, also takes part in cleaning and maintaining the forest.
Jerusalem Mayor, Moshe Leon: "The community garden throughout the city are used by schoolchildren for studying and families on the afternoon. With the outbreak of COVID-19, we took the project upon ourselves, in collaboration with KKL-JNF, and in the coming years we will expand it to the entire city. Jerusalem is full of beautiful and well-kept urban nature sites. I invite the residents to enjoy them."
Adi Tene, KKL-JNF Audience Reception Coordinator at the Mountain Area: "Great things happen in the Jerusalem community forests. The residents understand that a forest near their homes is a gift, a wonderful place that connects people, dreams and communities. With this connection growing, KKL-JNF and the public will continue to enjoy the forests, and the forests will 'know' that they are being maintained, loved, and they will always host joyous people."
For more information about community forests, click here