Nitzanim Nature Reserve, Coastal nature reserve in Southern Plain, Israel
Nitzanim Nature Reserve is a coastal protected area between two major towns, featuring expansive sandy dunes and Mediterranean plant life. The landscape combines beach environments, mobile dunes, and drier inland vegetation into interconnected habitats.
The area was recognized as public land needing protection during the 1980s by a conservation group, then formally established as a nature reserve later. This official protection led to managed conservation efforts that shaped how the land is maintained today.
The name comes from an ancient settlement that once stood nearby. The trails here reveal how people have long lived with coastal environments and shaped their relationship with the land.
The northern section is open year-round at no cost and has marked trails for easy exploration. The southern part is closed for security reasons, but the accessible areas provide plenty of space for different types of visits.
The sand dunes create essential homes for rare plant species and serve as vital resting points for birds traveling between continents. This role as a stopping ground makes the reserve irreplaceable for bird populations in the region.
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