Ancient olive trees burned in Ayalon Canada Park get second life as bonsai trees
A little more than a year after a wildfire swept through Ayalon Canada Park in Israel, severely damaging the ancient olive trees at its popular Olive Tree Recreation Area, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF)…
Assessment
A wildfire in May 2025 severely damaged ancient olive trees in Ayalon Canada Park, but some survived through living root collars. Their rehabilitation into bonsai trees offers a creative second life, preserving genetic material while transforming the trees' public role from shade providers to displayed art. The outcome tests whether heritage trees can be sustained in miniature form.