The Hula Valley is one of the most unique regions in northern Israel. Lush, green fields are interspersed throughout the valley surrounded by imposing mountains on the east and the west. The striking black volcanic basalt hills south of the valley slowed down the flow of melted snow and rain from Mt. Hermon creating historic Lake Hula and its surrounding wetlands, which served as a filter for the water flowing into Lake Kinneret.

Background:

Plants and animals thrived in the flourishing, green wetlands making the Hula a naturalist’s paradise. Life for people, however, was very difficult because of the deadly Anopheles mosquito, which spread malaria through the valley and the lack of suitable soil for farming made living off the land difficult. In the 1950s, with massive support from KKL-JNF friends worldwide, in one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time, KKL-JNF drained the swamps. For thirty years agriculture flourished, malaria was gone and the valley prospered.

But for nature-lovers things were less rosy – many of the plant and animal species unique to the valley disappeared forever. Also, over time, new problems surfaced. Much of the soil was only partially suited to farming, and materials washing down from the valley into Lake Kinneret reduced its water quality, threatening Israel’s main source of drinking water.

In the 1980s KKL-JNF advised the founding members of the Hula Restoration Project on a rehabilitation program for the valley, which would centre on the re-flooding of the valley to create Lake Agmon. Careful planning and implementation of the newest land management concepts has transformed the site once again into a haven for birds, a must for eco-tourists and most importantly, has restored the vital filtering process for Lake Kinneret.  

Today:

Lake Agmon occupies part of the area once covered by the original Hula Lake and is today an internationally-recognized ornithological site. A variety of projects have been designed to provide visitors with the best opportunities to enjoy the varied bird life in the valley.

On the south side of the lake, close to islands that are used as hatching and wintering grounds by various types of ducks and as breeding areas for fish, a bird-watching lookout was developed. It extends into the lake, offering close views of the wildlife. It provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy Israel's outstanding bird life from close up. The lookout's unique plan allows visitors to watch the birds without disturbing them, and develops their awareness of wildlife and how we can protect and preserve it.