Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — “I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life, and we’ve been to a lot of beautiful natural places, but this is astounding,” said Michelle Ellis, a Michigander who was visiting Green Lakes State Park with her husband.
Green Lakes has long been a treasured destination for people across the country, offering hiking trails, kayak rentals, and breathtaking views. But park officials warn that a fragile reef at Deadman’s Point is being damaged by visitors walking onto it to take photos, causing long-term harm to the formation.
“Please refrain from standing on the reef at Deadman’s Point; it is slowly dying from your Instagram posts. Please respect signage and the rules here,” park officials posted on Facebook.
What is Deadman’s Point?
Green Lakes’ environmental educator, Katie Mulverhill, explained that Deadman’s Point is considered a marl reef, a reef-like formation made up of a soft, muddy mixture of clay and calcium carbonate.
These reefs are built by algae and other organisms that deposit calcium carbonate, forming a hard structure that develops over time. They provide habitat for organisms such as sponges and mosses that cannot survive elsewhere.
Mulverhill said that because of people walking on the reef, its surface has been smoothed down, unlike a healthy reef, which should feel bumpy.
“If those communities that are living on the surface, which are probably part of growing the reef structures, are dead from us walking on them, it’s probably just a skeleton at this point,” Mulverhill said.
Visitors React
For many visitors, the beauty of Green Lakes comes with a sense of responsibility. Kathernee Shawl, a Maryland native, said she’s noticed how some people treat the reef as though the rules don’t apply to them.
“Yeah, why can’t we just zoom in. You can just enjoy it from afar. There are signs for a reason,” Shawl said.
She added that some visitors are motivated by the attention online.
“I think it’s more social media now taking over, like, look at me, breaking the rules, but it’s a bit unfair.”
Her friend, Shelby Lee, agreed that the signs around the park should be taken seriously.
“If you see ‘don’t enter,’ there’s cones, don’t do that. It’s like petting a service dog. You’re not going to do that right?” said Lee.
Social Media Influence
Social media has played a major role in the reef’s growing attention, as the park’s Facebook post suggested. Shawl said she sees both the positive and negative side of platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
“Unfortunately, I feel like social media…it’s promoting the land, I’ll give it that. And promoting people to come visit, but then it’s also the negative side kind of like, oh, you can still do this. If someone else does, I can do it, which I’m kind of worried about,” said Shawl.
Protecting the Reef
Park educators say one of the best ways to protect the reef is through awareness. Mulverhill explained that over the summer, rangers were stationed near Deadman’s Point to speak with visitors, and staff set up educational tables to explain why the reef is so fragile. The park also hosts guided walks and school field trips to teach younger generations about the ecosystem.
“Just tell people. Once you hear the story, tell people. Use social media to help tell that story. The Point’s not the only place where you can get a beautiful picture here in the park,” Mulverhill said.
She believes small steps, such as staying on marked trails and swimming only in designated areas, can make a big difference.
“You know how special and rare this lake is and the reefs are on the lake. If we can do that, we’re gonna be doing a lot to protect the lake and the reefs,” Mulverhill said.
“As soon as you look at that lake, you know that it’s something special.”