National parks and nature reserves of Israel facts for kids

Israel's national parks are special places. They protect important historical sites or beautiful natural areas. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority takes care of most of them. In 2015, Israel had 81 national parks. It also had over 400 nature reserves!

Masada National Park is a famous historical site.

You can find many famous parks in places like Tel Megiddo, Jerusalem, and Ashkelon. Other well-known parks include the "Alexander Stream" and "Mount Carmel National Park." Many parks and nature reserves offer fun camping options. You can stay in tents or small bungalows. The main goal of these places is to protect nature, beautiful landscapes, important history, and different kinds of plants and animals.

Protecting Israel's Nature

Israel has worked hard to protect its natural and historical treasures. This effort began many years ago.

The First Nature Reserve

You can swim in the warm natural pools at Gan HaShlosha National Park.

The first nature reserve in Israel was the Hula Reserve. It was created in 1964. Before this, a large lake called Lake Hula had dried up. The Hula Reserve is now a very important stop for birds. Millions of birds fly through here. They are migrating between Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Laws for Parks and Reserves

In 1963, the Knesset, which is Israel's parliament, passed a special law. This law was called the "National Parks and Nature Reserves Act." Because of this law, two new groups were formed. One was the National Parks Authority. The other was the Nature Reserves Authority. These groups worked separately for many years. Then, in 1998, they joined together. They became one big group called the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. This group now manages all the national parks and nature reserves.

What's the Difference?

It can sometimes be tricky to tell the difference between a national park and a nature reserve in Israel. They often have similar features.

National Parks

Nitzanim Sand Dune Park near Ashdod is a beautiful natural area.

Most national parks in Israel are built around old archaeological sites. These are places where people have found ancient ruins and artifacts. So, national parks often focus on history. But many national parks also protect natural areas. They might have special plants or animals.

Nature Reserves

Nature reserves are usually focused on protecting nature. They keep safe special flowers, trees, and animals. But many nature reserves also have important archaeological sites within them. So, you might find ancient ruins even in a place mainly for nature. Both types of places help protect Israel's amazing history and beautiful environment.

Images for kids

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  Ruins of the ancient synagogue at Bar'am National Park

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  Makhtesh Ramon is a huge natural crater.

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  Shivta National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  Korazim National Park has ancient village ruins.

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  Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site with ancient caves.

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  Crusader ruins at Ein Hemed National Park.

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  Nahal Taninim in northern Israel.