The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), through their Start-Up Nature platform, is “re-wilding” decommissioned fish ponds by restoring their natural hydrology and returning them to their original wetland habitat. Two key model sites, Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin in the Jordan Valley and Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael on the Mediterranean coast, are being restored to provide vital habitat for migratory birds and other wetland species. The Kfar Ruppin site, restored in March 2021, spans 300 acres, with 270-285 acres suitable for wetland restoration. Restoration involved re-engineering the terrain to flood former fish ponds and planting native vegetation. The site now supports over 200 species, including several bird species of conservation concern, along with reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Restoration at Ma’agan Michael is set to begin in fall 2023. Stage 1 of Start-Up Nature will be expanded in Stage 2 to restore 12,500 acres, aiming to recover 25% of the region’s historical wetlands.