The Middle Section - Attractions
Ya'ar Ma'arach HaMilu'im (Reservists Forest) - the road that runs along the water pipe of the Yarkon-Negev pipeline and the SHAFDAN, which is buried, passes through the Reservists Forest.
The first trees were planted during the British Mandate. KKL-JNF has subsequently added many more trees. At the northern end of the forest is a Recreation Area dedicated to Yaakov Harari, who developed the peanut farming industry in HaBesor Region.
Picnic tables and a drinking water spigot are available in the Recreation Area.
Gemila Stream Pond - the pond, which is surrounded by canes and tamarisks, is at the confluence of Gemila Stream (Wadi Jamila) with Besor Stream. Apparently, a reservoir was dug here already during the Byzantine era. That reservoir was renovated along with other reservoirs during World War I to serve the British cavalry. Past mining of pebbles for the aquifer's groundwater assures a steady supply of water for the pond. M4 - the two barrels mounted one on top of the other and painted black and white bear the Latin letter M and the number 4. These barrels mark the start of modern mapping in Israel, which began in 1921. The method was based on triangulation - measuring triangles, where the surveyors marked the triangles' vertex, which are referred to as triangulation stations, or trigs, in short. Trig M4 belongs to the vertex of the second triangle in the British survey.
Shai Lookout - commemorating Shai Dayan, rises to an altitude of 90 meters above sea level, but just a few meters about the western bank of HaBesor Stream. Nevertheless, this unpretentious observation point provides a sweeping view of the region between Gaza and Beer Sheva, to the Judean Foothills and the Hebron Mountains.
The Large Tamarisk - a large tree, whose canopy forms an expansive tapestry of branches and twigs. Tamarix aphylla, as it is known among botanists, is adapted to survival under extremely arid and saline conditions. It was therefore widely planted throughout the Western Negev. Beneath its branches is a pleasant resting corner.
Nirim Reservoir Observation point - the small deck overlooks the reservoir, built by Kibbutz Nirim in the 1970s as a buffer reservoir collecting floodwaters from HaBesor Stream. Adjoining the reservoir is a crossroads. Private cars (not buses) can descend the twists and turns toward Be'er Dekalim (Well of the Palms).
Be'er Dekalim - two tall palm trees, a handsome sycamore, a wellhouse and a pool, form a picturesque spot. The well is what remains from the village of Abu Baqara ("Cow Owner"), or perhaps Abu Bacra (Owner of the Female Camel). The small village consisted of about ten houses, spread out from one another. It was built of lumps of kurkar and pebbles mixed into mud bricks.