Looking for a place to hike with your family during the Sukkot holiday? The Israel Land Authority (ILA) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) invite you to discover new nature sites that have been rehabilitated through a variety of guided tours.
The tours, held Monday and Tuesday during Chol Hamoed, will showcase eight selected sites across the country restored by the ILA's Fund for the Preservation of Open Spaces.
Tours in the Haifa area:
Fish ponds: Bird watching at Ma'agan Michael
Discover the fascinating world of migrating birds at the Ma'agan Michael fish ponds, a critical stopover for birds traveling between continents. The site is a popular destination for professional birdwatchers and photographers worldwide.
About the tour: The tour begins at the Bird Park entrance, developed with the Israel Land Authority to give visitors a close look at the birds’ lives. We'll explore the kibbutz’s fish ponds and take a short trip to the beach.
Jisr az-Zarqa: A tour of the promenade and the Taninim Stream estuary complex
Dubbed "The Sinai of Israel," this site, located an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv, offers historical insights and beautiful sunsets. ILA's Fund for the Preservation of Open Spaces has made the area accessible with a promenade, rest areas, and observation points.
About the tour: Enjoy a pastoral tour of the fishing village of Jisr az-Zarqa, including its stunning promenade, and learn about the area's history and natural beauty. The tour includes crossing the Taninim Stream estuary and viewing the landscape from the tel.
Tours in central Israel:
A trip along Nahal Hadar: Discovering a magical tributary in the heart of Sharon
Hadar Stream, a tributary of the Yarkon River, was once a polluted channel but has been transformed into a thriving ecological park. It now boasts lush vegetation, an ecological lake, and abundant wildlife.
About the tour: Explore the wonders of the Ecological Park in Hod Hasharon. We'll walk along Hadar Stream, search for animals, and learn about the park’s rehabilitation and development.
Einot Gibton: Paradise in the heart of the Shfela
This green oasis underwent ecological rehabilitation to restore the area's wildlife and make it accessible to visitors. The site, originally drained during the British Mandate, has now been returned to its natural state.
About the tour: Discover Einot Gibton, a wetland habitat rich in unique vegetation and history. The tour includes walking along water routes, enjoying shaded seating areas, and learning about the site's historical and ecological significance.
Ashdod Sea Fortress Ecological Park: A lantern tour in a different light
The Ashdod Sea Fortress Ecological Park was developed on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement and preserves the coastal strip's ecological environment. Wildlife thrives in this accessible park with viewpoints and leisure areas.
About the tour: Experience the Ashdod Ecological Park in the evening, as we search for animal tracks using lanterns and ultraviolet flashlights. The tour also includes a visit to the Ashdod Sea Fortress, where we'll hear about the area’s historical and natural significance.
Tours in southern Israel:
Night scorpion tour at Yeruham Lake: A journey into a fascinating world!
Yeruham Lake, an ecological gem, is surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. The area has been rehabilitated to enhance tourism while preserving the environment.
About the tour: Join a night tour at Yeruham Lake to discover scorpions using ultraviolet flashlights. Learn about their characteristics, role in the ecosystem, and ways to protect them.
Nature conservation and bird-watching tour at Midrashat Ben-Gurion Promenade
The Ben-Gurion Promenade offers stunning views of Nahal Zin, the Zin Cliff and the Avdat Plateau. The promenade was developed with the ILA's Fund for the Preservation of Open Spaces.
About the tour: Explore conservation efforts and bird migration at the Ben-Gurion promenade. The tour includes a visit to the new bird-watching center.
Night scorpion tour in Mitzpe Ramon: A journey into a fascinating world!
Mitzpe Ramon offers spectacular views and access to the Zin Stream basin. The area has been developed into an accessible promenade with scenic viewpoints and educational points of interest.
About the tour: Walk along the Mitzpe Ramon promenade at night and discover the glowing scorpions. Learn about their unique role in the ecosystem and how to protect them.
Note: The sites are open to the public free of charge year-round, beyond the Sukkot festival tours.
- The tours are free, but participants must register in advance. For more information and registration, visit the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel's website.
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