Planting Trees for Tu B’Shevat

Friends of Trees has scheduled a family-friendly planting on Sunday, January 23, for anyone who hasn’t been able to plant with us at a recent Saturday or Monday planting or who wants to plant trees for Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome at the planting, which begins near the I-205 Multi-Use Path at 10600 NE Holman Street, in Portland.

Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. to register and enjoy breakfast pastries. All are encouraged to dress in weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Supportive Friends of Trees crew leaders will guide small groups of planters throughout the morning.

Tu B’Shevat, which is from sunset on January 19 to sunset on January 20, is a time to honor the earth and acknowledge that spring is on its way.

The January 23 planting is part of a three-year project to green the 16.5-mile I-205 Multi-Use Path. The new trees will enhance the path for cyclists, pedestrians, and TriMet travelers, and will reduce air and water pollution, increase wildlife habitat, and make nearby neighborhoods more livable.

Anyone who misses the January 23 planting can have trees planted in honor of others through Friends of Trees’ Gift Trees program. The person who gives the gift and the person who receives it will be invited to an invitation-only planting on Sunday, March 27, in the Collins Sanctuary adjacent to Forest Park.

Spiritual Environmentalism for Tu B’Shevat

On Friday, January 21, at 6 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel (1972 NW Flanders Street) will host city planner and author Michael Abbate for a presentation on practical ways to minimize the impact of development while restoring natural systems. For more information, call 503-222-1069.

Earth Care Summit

Friends of Trees is helping sponsor the annual Earth Care Summit organized by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns on January 31 at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. The evening includes a locally-grown dinner, speakers, and roundtable discussions to help congregations become more involved in caring for the earth. The cost is $40/person or $20/student. Registration forms can be found on EMO’s web site.

–TR