(haipo) The Israel National Foundation has completed the project to make the Nahal and Bird Forest Trail accessible, after years of development work and an investment of approximately 1.4 million shekels. The circular route, which is approximately 4.2 kilometers long, allows people with disabilities, families with strollers, senior citizens and the general public to enjoy an accessible nature experience in the valley. A festive Hanukkah ceremony was held to mark the completion of the project.
An accessible trail in the heart of nature with infrastructure adapted to the general public.
The accessible trail passes through a natural forest, a planted pine forest and a stream channel, and incorporates the valley views, vineyards, archaeological sites and seating areas along the way. As part of the project, rest areas, accessible benches, grab bars on sloping sections, observation points and artistic mosaic elements were established, created in collaboration with disabled IDF personnel from the Ein Hamifratz Rehabilitation Club. The project is intended to make the natural space accessible to all visitors, while preserving the values of the landscape, heritage and environment. KKL-JNF led the project in collaboration with the Kishon Drainage and Streams Authority and the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, and the entities' investment is evident in the development of the trail, its accessibility and the establishment of a new entrance.
Hanukkah ceremony with the participation of senior officials from KKL-JNF, the Regional Council and the Drainage Authority
The inauguration ceremony of the trail was held in the presence of KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, KKL-JNF Director of the KKL-JNF Regional Office Yaron Ohayon, KKL-JNF Northern Region Director Shelly Ben Yishai, Erez Moshe, Director of the Gilboa Region at KKL-JNF, Head of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council Shlomit Shihor Reichman, Director General of the Kishon Drainage and Streams Authority Uri Regev, and Chairman of the Israel Accessibility Association Yuval Wagner.
Chairman of the JNF Ostrinsky He said at the ceremony: "Nature conservation is not just about protecting the landscape, but also about being able to allow everyone to enjoy it. The Nahal Zippori Trail expresses KKL-JNF's concept that natural spaces in Israel should be open, accessible and inviting for everyone."
Collaboration between entities to make nature accessible to the public
Director General of the Kishon Drainage and Streams Authority, Uri Regev, noted that "when we restore a stream, we are not only improving the ecosystem, we are returning nature to people. The Zippori Stream Trail allows everyone to enjoy the scenery, the water, and the space in a safe and accessible way. This project is a great example of the power of partnership."
Head of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, Shlomit Shihor Reichman, She added that this is the longest accessible circular trail in the northern region, and that "the new trail joins the rich variety of hiking, tourism and leisure centers throughout the valley, allowing more and more visitors to enjoy the open spaces, landscapes and our unique nature."
The report is very encouraging, but maybe we could cut short the "what everyone said" and tell how to get there? Where to park, where are the water refill points?