Tulare Lake, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, was once one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the US. Stretching over 100 miles long and 30 miles wide, it was a vital water source fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains. However, in the late 19th Century, the lake began to disappear due to the state of California's land reclamation efforts, draining its waters for farmland irrigation.
After more than a century, Tulare Lake unexpectedly reemerged in 2023 following heavy snow and rain events in California. This resurgence brought back diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and amphibians. For the indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe, the lake's return was a powerful and spiritual experience, allowing them to practice traditional hunting and fishing once again.
