There’s no better place to celebrate Earth Day than America’s public lands. Scenes like this from Crater Lake National Park in Oregon remind us of the beauty and fragility of nature. Clear skies, fresh air, pure water and the serene sounds of breezes and birds inspire us to experience the natural world and protect it for future generations. Sunrise photo by Helen Kehrt (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Happy birthday to America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist: John Muir! Born April 21, 1838, he shared his love of the outdoors through writing and inspired people to protect our country’s wild places like Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Sequoia & King’s Canyon national parks – earning him the nickname the Father of the National Parks. What better way to honor Muir’s memory than by getting outside and exploring your public lands: https://on.doi.gov/2p3hcX7.

Photo of Yosemite’s Half Dome from Glacier Point by Kevin Perez (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

When temperatures warm up and food is available, brown bears slowly begin to leave their dens. After 4-5 months of sleep and limited activity, male bears emerge first, usually from early to mid-March, followed by solitary females and females with yearlings or two year olds. The last to leave their dens are females with newborn cubs. Spring greens and winter carrion are first on the menu for these hungry bears. Photo of brown bears from Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve by Gavin Danapong (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

National parks preserve some of the most unique landscapes in America. Visitors to Badlands National Park in South Dakota are often shocked at the sudden appearance of these colorful formations rising out of the surrounding green plains. The rock formations and amazing fossil beds give us important evidence of the dramatic natural history of the area. Just another reason why national parks are great outdoor classrooms! Photo by Andreas Eckert (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).