The Stream’s

Story

Ecology

The streambed and banks of Zippori Stream create a unique habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The stream’s year-round flow enables many species to thrive, but modern human influences have harmed its ecological system. Overgrazing, water pollution, and invasive species competing with local ones have disrupted the natural balance. A central part of the restoration is…

What are we doing in practice?

• We conducted extensive surveys and monitoring before starting the work, to ensure planning was based on accurate data, and to allow us to measure the impact on the stream’s environment.
• We are restoring the streambed by widening it, adding meanders, and softening the bank slopes to return it to its natural structure.
• As part of a “citizen science” initiative…

Agriculture

For nearly its entire length, Zippori Stream runs near or through agricultural lands owned by communities or private farmers. Therefore, the restoration project must address the complex relationship between agriculture and the stream, which is a complex relationship of mutual impact. On one hand, the stream may damage farmland through flooding in winter or help spread invasive plants and pests. On the other hand, modern agriculture can harm the stream via pesticide and fertilizer runoff, soil erosion, or farming too close to the stream, which can damage the banks. Cattle and sheep herds can also…

Land Management

Land management includes addressing various needs: regular maintenance and mowing of stream vegetation, including removal of invasive species and flood prevention preparation for winter; waste management, one of the biggest and most difficult challenges, through routine cleanup of the stream area and removal of debris washed in during rain events; and visitor management, including separating different user types where possible and distributing visitor load along the stream. In every area…

Goals

1. Maintenance system – develop and establish long-term capabilities for operations, enforcement, monitoring, and maintenance across the stream environment, in cooperation with various bodies – Israel Nature and Parks Authority, KKL-JNF, the Green Police, regional councils, and more.
2. Visitor management and usage separation

Sustainable Local Economy

Sustainable local economy and tourism are essential parts of long-term stream restoration. Economic activity can either harm or support restoration processes. The project emphasizes working with entrepreneurs and residents to develop environmentally friendly economic infrastructure. This includes supporting farmers who practice ecological farming that benefits both the environment and local communities. In addition…

What are we doing in practice?

• Training programs for residents to promote social–environmental–economic initiatives, such as nature guides, fitness instructors in nature areas, and facilitators of traditional crafts.
• Professional training for tourism professionals and entrepreneurs to encourage local tourism products. These included cheesemaking workshops, sourdough bread baking, spoken Arabic courses…

Landscape Design

The unique landscape of Zippori Stream, with its forests and open spaces, has long drawn visitors, both locals and tourists. Landscape development aims to shape a clear identity for the stream area and connect it to the surrounding communities through design elements.

As part of the project, for the first time in Israel, a unified design language was developed for the entire basin. This visual identity is reflected in trails, seating areas, bridges, and other features. It tells a “basin story” and is embodied in a continuous walking trail stretching along most of the stream, from which side-trails branch out. 

Some of these connect the stream to nearby towns, making it easier for locals to access the stream.

Education

The goal of the education component is to foster a deep connection between youth and the stream environment. Activities are conducted with students from within and beyond the basin, across formal and informal educational settings. We use innovative, hands-on field-based programs that encourage exploration, research, and engagement.

The core principle is hands-on learning, involving practical restoration work that builds long-term environmental commitment.

Together with guides and teachers, students explore the restoration process, ecological systems, and the human-nature connection, while developing respect and care for the environment.

Education continues beyond school: students become “ambassadors” of environmental awareness in their homes and communities.

Community & Society

A key to sustainable stream restoration is connecting basin communities to the restoration processes and basin’s space. The more residents feel a sense of belonging to the stream, there will be more expressions of environmental responsibility, care, and stewardship of the stream environment.

Social engagement as part of the stream’s restoration includes leadership development, community-building within towns and among thematic groups through shared activities, turning the stream into a meaningful place for residents, mapping and integrating local stories, and training community members to lead local initiatives. The social engagement also emphasizes Zippori Stream as a shared space, creating opportunities for connection between members of different communities.

Main Objectives:

• Develop connected, engaged leadership for the restoration of the stream’s environment: train leaders, empower activists, and build a basin-wide leadership network
• Placemaking: turn the stream into a place of meaning and identity for locals
• Build sustainable partnerships to support long-term social processes
• Create shared spaces by connecting diverse communities and individuals