The treasure you’ll find at Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia comes in golden sunrise sparkles, glimpses of rare wildlife and 5,618 acres of precious forests, marshes and beaches. Only accessible by boat, the island was used by the Navy as a source of live oak timber for shipbuilding in the early 1800s. Now, the island is a source of joy and solitude for all who visit. Photo by Becky Skiba, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Explore the Oregon Coast at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, which stretches a mile from the shore into the Pacific Ocean. Look for harbor seals year-round and gray whales feeding in shallow waters during summer months. Listen to the applause-like sound as the waves roll in over the rounded rocks of Cobble Beach. When the tide is low, a vibrant ocean floor is revealed – stroll alongside tide pools to see colorful animals like orange sea stars, purple sea urchins and giant green anemones. It’s also home to Oregon’s tallest lighthouse! Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands

It’s been 15 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but the images of that day remain clear. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and a third into the Pentagon in Virginia. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Because of the actions of 40 passengers and crew aboard the fourth plane, Flight 93, the U.S. Capitol was saved. In New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and across the country, people will gather today to remember the depth of our loss and the strength of our resolve. By visiting these places and hearing their stories, those who were taken will never be forgotten. Photo from the Flight 93 National Memorial by Tami Heilemann, Interior.

With pinkish clouds over serene blue waters and stately trees, there’s beauty everywhere you look at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon! Photographer Jeff C. Bryant waited until just the right moment to capture this striking sunset shot: “As someone who photographs sunsets quite often, you win some and lose some. One thing I’ve learned is not to leave early!” We think this shot is definitely on the winning side. Photo courtesy of Jeff C. Bryant,