Fall at Smoke Creek Falls, Green LakeOrchard Park, NY
Last year, this would be your view if you stood at the top of the falls on Smoke Creek as it flows out of Green Lake in Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. The lake behind you would be full of water and surrounded with colorful foliage. The creek would be rushing down the rocks and into colorful woods.
Unfortunately, you won't see this beautiful scene this year. The lake was emptied in preparation for the winter season way sooner and is just one big pit of mud. There is no water flowing down the rocks either.
Instead, your view this fall is like the third photo here on the right.
At first, I just thought what a pity! It's the season when the lake can look its greatest and now it looks its worst. It must be an eyesore especially to the people that live around Green Lake and lost their wonderful view. But I understand, sometimes things have to be done to make things better for the future and I guess that is the case here (see references at the bottom). Did it really have to be done this early?
Green Lake Mud PitOrchard Park, NY
Later I got irritated when I heard more about it. It seemed like not enough care when into emptying the lake and taking care of the living creatures that call the lake their home. I heard of some people trying to rescue the turtles. And then you read articles in the paper that go in the other direction, justifying that was was done was perfectly fine and the people trying to save the animals are the problem as they put themselves in danger. I don't really know where the truth lies as I am not directly involved with any of this, just an outside observer. But when you read statements like "We just didn’t think people would be out there walking around. ... Why do people do what they do?" in reference to some people trying to save the turtles it has me wonder. Really? You would not expect someone seeing a turtle in a pit of mud in what used to be a lake to try to get it out?
Down The Rocks it Goes - Smoke Creek FallsOrchard Park, NY
Down The Rocks it Goes - Smoke Creek Falls at Green Lake - Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!
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References: OP's Green Lake drained for dredging, dam work - Green Lake dredging project draws admirers - Orchard Park officials urge residents to stay out of drained Green Lake - Don’t go mucking around in Green Lake