Community ‘Tu B’Shevat TuGether’ Jan. 24

A communitywide, familyfriendly celebration,“Tu B’Shevat TuGether,” to commemorate the New Year for Trees will take place Jan. 24 at Boyd Hill Nature Park in St. Petersburg.

The Jewish Community Center of Pinellas and Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center, along with the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties, will host the annual event. Tu B’Shevat has become known as the Jewish Arbor Day and a time to celebrate the environment.

There is no cost to attend the Tu B’Shevat celebration, although there is a charge for food and participation in some activities.

The highlight of the day is the popular tree-climbing experience, offered by Pathfinders Outdoor Education, in specially certified trees as safe to climb. Cost for the tree climbing is $8 per person or $15 for a family.

In addition, there will be Tu B’Shevat scavenger hunts, presentations by the wildlife shows and a drum circle. Plus, homeowners will want to check out the Florida Native Plant Society’s presentation on how planting species native to Florida can not only be beautiful, but can save money and reduce landscape maintenance.

A special leadership training and teambuilding exercises geared to high schoolers, run by Pathfinders, will begin at 11:30 a.m.

All other activities, which will run several times throughout the event, will start at noon and run until 4 p.m.

Kosher lunches will also be available for a nominal charge.

Boyd Hill Nature Park is located at 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg. All Pathfinders activities have limited spaces; call 321- 6100 or the GM/KJC at 736-1494 to reserve your spots today.