Ashdod Travelers guide

Around Ashdod 173 The beautiful reserve is divided into two by the Evtach stream (a dry river bed that opens into the sea at Nitzanim Beach). The area south of the stream is a training ground for the IDF basic training base located in the reserve, and entry is prohibited. The area north of the stream, about 8,000 dunams (2000 acres) of land, is open to the public. The spectacular Nitzanim Beach (an official beach) and the ground water pools within it are not included in the reserve area. The two large sandstone quarries, which were in operation for about three decades until the late twentieth century, created a very interesting topography in the area. Since the mining works took place at the top of the sandstone ridge on the reserve, the point that should have been the highest in the area became the lowest. Over the years quarrying at the site stopped, and the quarries, which were dug to a depth of over twenty meters, became ground water reservoirs. The region, which was the scene of difficult battles during the War of Independence, is now a pastoral reserve, with a wide and unique variety of plants and animals, including the Israeli deer, common fox, mongoose, and land turtles. Among other things, it also houses a small community settlement called "Nitzan". Visiting the reserve, which is managed in cooperation between the Jewish National Fund and The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, is especially recommended in the fall season, but it is possible to tour the site all year round. (In the summer it is advised to start the visit early in the morning.) You can choose between several hiking routes, which are marked in black, green and blue. At the entrance to the reserve, there are signs explaining about the site, and next to them a parking lot and picnic tables shaded by eucalyptus trees. The Shikmim Field School Parking Lot From sunrise until nightfall Free of charge The Nitzanim Reserve www.parks.org.il Partially accessible There are no restrooms or water in the reserve, so it is best to take advantage of the field school for that purpose. Nitzanim Sands Reserve