The upper part of the stream is a declared nature reserve covering an area of 273 dunams (2,730 m2; 0.67 acres), designated on July 31, 2007.

[2] Rosh Pina Stream flows down the eastern slopes of Mount Canaan, from west to east, and drains two steep valleys.

These valleys start from the area of Kiryat Sarah neighborhood in Safed and converge about 200 meters (660 ft) above Ein Gey-Onni.

[2] In the section between Mount Canaan and Rosh Pina, the stream descends relatively steeply, at about 400 meters (1,300 ft) over about two kilometers (1.2 mi).

Despite the elevation differences, no waterfalls or overly steep slopes formed, allowing a road to be paved along the stream.

The upper part, covering 863 dunams (8,630 m2; 2.13 acres), is within the jurisdiction of Safed municipality, includes many private lands, and its designation as a reserve is pending approval.

[citation needed] In the stream, three springs all emerge within ancient enclosed structures built to protect the water from contamination.

About 300 meters (980 ft) above it is Ein Pina, with some of its water captured and piped by gravity to the upper part of the settlement.

[citation needed] Animals living in the stream's drainage basin come to drink, especially important during the summer months.

In the first two decades of the 21st century, the population increased from about 2,200–2,300 to between 3,000 and 3,400, and desalination facilities were built along the coastal plain; thus, the settlement receives additional water from other sources.

The discovery of ancient wild emmer wheat in the Rosh Pina Stream valley by Aaron Aaronsohn brought him and the place worldwide recognition.

[citation needed] The stream's cliffs provide a habitat for animals like rock hyraxes and birds of prey.

[citation needed] The upper part of Nahal Rosh Pina from Safed to the town of Rosh Pina was declared a nature reserve in 2007 to preserve an ecological corridor free from human influence, connecting natural habitats and allowing animals to safely cross human-made obstacles such as roads, canals, and railways.

[citation needed] Alongside the partial release of spring water, the hiking trail through the stream from Mount Canaan to Safed was closed to off-road vehicles and is now designated for hikers only.

Over the years, likely due to this reason (though not proven beyond doubt), the number of gazelles in the wadi area has decreased, and they are now only seen on the surrounding slopes.