A stroll through the Monterey cypress tunnel is one of many ways to enjoy serenity and scenery at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. From rocky headlands and sand beaches that seem to stretch forever to open grasslands and forested ridges, the park’s unique landscapes captivate visitors and provide a home for over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Photo courtesy of Brian Chan.

A visit to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. Photographer Tiffany Mark described what she felt when she took this stunner as “the kind of moment where you’re completely thankful that we have places to partake in such beauty.” Storm clouds were rolling in, which added some drama to the already captivating landscape. Photo courtesy of Tiffany Mark.

One of the most famous and recognizable landmarks for the pioneer travelers on the Oregon, California and Mormon trails, Chimney Rock is still an icon on Nebraska’s landscape. Today, Chimney Rock and its surrounding environs look much as they did when the first settlers passed through in the mid 1800s. Photo of the Milky Way erupting over Chimney Rock courtesy of Jesse Attanasio.

Happy Manatee Awareness Month! These gentle giants – nicknamed “sea cows” for their diet of seagrass and other aquatic plants – can reach lengths of over 14 feet and weigh more than 3,000 pounds! Early explorers once mistook manatees, which have large, spoon-shaped tails, for young women, fueling legends of mermaids. Photo at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida by Keith Ramos, USFWS.

Happy Manatee Awareness Month! These gentle giants – nicknamed “sea cows” for their diet of seagrass and other aquatic plants – can reach lengths of over 14 feet and weigh more than 3,000 pounds! Early explorers once mistook manatees, which have large, spoon-shaped tails, for young women, fueling legends of mermaids. Video at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida by Nick Aumen, U.S. Geological Survey.

Happy Halloween! We love Badlands National Park in South Dakota, but this shot of a lightning bolt in a purple sky over jagged rock formations looks a little spooky. Photo courtesy of Jake Woll.

Watching the weather at Yosemite National Park in California can yield some amazing views, like sun rays bursting unexpectedly from clouds. Of this moment, photographer Beth Young says, “The rising sun briefly broke through the clouds and illuminated the low-lying mist on the valley floor.” Sunrise photo courtesy of Beth Young.

A rolling carpet of autumn color covers the landscape of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. From mountaintop to valley bottom, the gorgeous colors of nature are calling you to explore this amazing place. Photo by Gary Fua (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Happy 130th birthday to Lady Liberty! On this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated, becoming a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. In 1924, it was designated as a National Monument. 305 feet above the ground, her torch has been a shining beacon on our greatest days and our darkest nights. Photo courtesy of Michael Bissel.

Happy birthday to President Theodore Roosevelt! As President, Roosevelt established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. His words and actions were a massive contribution to the conservation movement and solidified his legacy as a champion of public lands.

Photo of Theodore Roosevelt at Yellowstone National Park courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Photo of Theodore Roosevelt National Park by Gary Anderson, National Park Service. Photo of President Roosevelt and John Muir at Yosemite National Park from Yosemite National Park’s archives.