Spring Group Hike to Brookhaven State Park (subbed for Glen Onoko Falls)

I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

I've been hiking this trail every year since 2020 around the exact same time and Tarkill Pond (and surrounding pools) has always been full.

This weekend, dry. We walked over parts that should have been full to our knees (see slide).

Long Island, what's going on? 

I didn't expect to go here. But the forecasted weather meant canceling our trip or switching trails to something a bit safer. (Sorry waterfall fans. But, we're going back later this spring. A few spots left on that hike if you want to go. You know where to book it).

Anyway, I've seen this kind of drought conditions before over the years. And the scariest thing is how fast it's happening - within a few years, not decades.

It's not, "Remember back in the day: the 90s". Nah, this is like, "Remember back in the day: last year".

No matter how many IG posts we create celebrating #EarthDay or trash pickup meetups we host, the earth ain't right. It's hurting. And it's getting worse.

Elected officials, companies, all of us are part of the problem. So what do we do? More composting? Less consumption? Cleaner, simpler lifestyles? 

No, like, for realz for realz, how do we stop this? Because the scariest thing of all is that at this rate, will there be any water left for my kid to swim, play or even drink when she's grown?

Anyone have any ideas we can all do that can work fast with impact?

GALLERY

DID YOU GO?