Nature and Parks Authority Showcases Sites Where Water Shaped Life and Served Humanity

The Nature and Parks Authority presents sites where water shaped life and served humanity: in lakes, streams, marshes, and winter ponds, one can discover secrets spanning hundreds of years—flowing water used for food preparation, grinding flour, transporting water for agriculture, and even storing water during the winter seasons. Every stream, marsh, and winter pond is living evidence of the heritage connecting man and nature. Today, they are also aquatic habitats that sustain life, diversify nature, and preserve the ecology.

For hundreds of years, humans learned to utilize this water: flour mills were powered by its force, aqueducts distributed it to fields and villages, and winter ponds allowed for storage and continuity even during drought seasons. When we look at the streams and marshes today, we see not only wild nature but also the story of our heritage, in an ancient connection between man and water that reminds us how much our lives depend on them.

Dr. Dror Ben Yosef, Northern District Heritage Officer at the Nature and Parks Authority: "The heritage sites we discover in nature reserves and national parks are not just historical findings—they are testimonies to life. The use of water sources throughout the generations tells the story of people who lived, worked, and created deep connections with the landscape and the water around them."

February 2nd marked World Wetlands Day, under the theme 'Learn from the past, strengthen the future.' This date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention, the oldest international treaty for the conservation of aquatic habitats, signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, representing global cooperation for the preservation of natural water bodies. During February, the Nature and Parks Authority invites the public to experiential activities in national parks and nature reserves to closely get to know aquatic habitats. The NPA has compiled for you the sites and places where water, beyond being a source of life, also tells the story of our heritage.

Ein Afek: "Walking on Water":

At Ein Afek, one can feel how water shaped life here for hundreds of years. The Swamp Path, an experiential wooden walkway, allows hikers to "walk on water" and observe the marsh from the perspective of water birds, while the surroundings tell a story of the connection between nature, agriculture, and heritage. The ancient flour mill on the Na'aman Stream is living proof—a two-story fortified structure whose remains bear the mark of the Crusaders and the renovation works of the Ottoman period, fed by lake water created by a massive dam. This water was used to drive millstones and produce flour throughout the generations, including for Napoleon’s army in 1799. This weekend, guided tours will reveal traditional water systems; the "Young Researcher" corner allows for observing water buffalo and a fascinating lookout with telescopes and binoculars; and a charming exhibition on water heritage is held at the ancient flour mill. Additionally, giant games for the whole family, Snakes and Ladders, and a puzzle about the secrets of nature and heritage will connect you to experience, knowledge, and history.

Taninim Stream - Water that Shaped Entire Lives:

Taninim Stream is a place where water was the force that operated for generations and shaped entire lives. The stream's water allowed for the operation of flour mills and sustained agriculture. The stream tells the story of the balance between human need and nature conservation. Even today, one can see how the ancient dam raises the water level and drives the wheels of the flour mills, just as they operated here in the past. As part of Aquatic Habitat Month, guided tours are held at the site following ancient water engineering, demonstrating how water storage was possible without harming the springs. During the tours, you will see the raised dam and the wheels of the ancient mills. Additionally, interactive games for the whole family, Snakes and Ladders, and a puzzle revealing cultural heritage secrets and the ecological balance maintained here are offered. The activities highlight the special bond between man, nature, and heritage, inviting a glimpse into the harmonious lifestyle of previous eras and learning how to preserve streams today.

Banias Stream - An Ottoman-era Flour Mill:

Downstream from the Banias springs stands the ancient flour mill built by the Ottomans hundreds of years ago. The water flowing in the stream operated the paddle wheels and stones that turned wheat kernels into flour. This weekend, guided tours will take place along the rushing stream, where visitors will learn about traditional water management and maintaining ecological balance, watch the mill wheels in action, and enjoy giant games, Snakes and Ladders, and a puzzle about water heritage and culture.

Middle Tzalmon Stream and Hurvat Tzalmon - 14 Ancient Flour Mills:

Tzalmon Stream is one of the few streams in the Lower Galilee that flows year-round. Walking along it is a journey into heritage, water, and rich nature. On the hiking trail—which begins at the parking area on Road 804 between km markers 7-8 and ends about 1.5 km south of the Rama junction at the meeting of the blue trail and the road—you will discover the remains of 14 ancient flour mills that processed wheat kernels using the water flow, bubbling springs where you can wade your feet, charming spots in Mediterranean woodland, and a flowering hilltop where Hurvat Tzalmon stands—a city from the Second Temple period fortified for the Great Revolt by Josephus Flavius. The route is easy, taking up to two hours, and allows one to feel the connection between man and water, experiencing the heritage firsthand from the pools and groves to the ancient flour mills that operated here until less than a hundred years ago.

The Nature and Parks Authority reminds visitors that before heading out, especially during the winter, one should check the weather conditions and ensure that the trails are open for visiting. For questions about trails and sites, it is recommended to check with the Nature and Parks Authority information center at *3639 or via the link https://parks.qrd.by/bldruh.
Regarding the weather, updates should be checked on the Israel Meteorological Service website and in news broadcasts.