The Hula Valley - restoring a marsh

In the 1950s, the Hula Valley was drained for agricultural purposes. Up to that point it had been covered in extensive marshes and agricultural efforts were problematic.

Over the years since then, a number of major problems arose. Pollution (notably phosphorous but other chemicals as well) from the Hula Valley was found to be a major cause of problems in the Sea of Galilee (similar to our problems with phosphorous in Lake Winnipeg). The peat in the valley was also subject to problematic fires after the marshes had been drained. To provide a solution to these issues a decision was made to put a marsh back into the Hula Valley.

JNF-KKL had a major role in both the original drainage of the land and in the more recent restoration of the marsh. We were able to visit the restored marsh and to see the incredible number of common cranes and other birds which were present. Since the marsh has been restored, it has become a major migratory stop-over for many waterfowl and for raptors as well as for other birds like kingfishers. The problems with peat fires have been eliminated and the problem of pollution in the Sea of Galilee has been substantially reduced.

The photos show, from top, 1) Esther Weinstein talking about the role of JNF-KKL in the marsh restoration; 2) me standing with Ephie Naim and Itai Shanni who have been involved in managing the marsh and in studying the birds now using the marsh; 3) a mobile blind used so visitors can see the cranes up close; 4) a view of the common cranes taken from the mobile blind; and 5) one of the types of bicycles which are used along with golf carts and regular bicycles for visitors to go along the paths and see the birds at the marsh.