Happy birthday Glacier National Park! On May 11, 1910, Glacier in Montana became the country’s 10th national park, protecting a scenic landscape of rugged peaks, clear waters and glacial-carved valleys. Here’s to celebrating 106 years and many more of caring for this special place for future generations to explore and enjoy. Photo of the Highline Trail by Tim Rains, National Park Service.

The North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River in Oregon is renowned for outstanding fishing and exhilarating whitewater challenges for all levels of rafters and kayakers. To catch a ride on rushing waters, visit during May, June, and early July. What’s more, the 79-mile-long North Umpqua Trail parallels the river, offering a variety of hiking and mountain biking options. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands

Say hello to our new national mammal! Today the American bison officially joined the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of the U.S. when President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law. And much like the eagle, the bison is one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. 

Explore 15 fun facts about bison – like did you know you can tell a bison’s mood by its tail: http://on.doi.gov/1Oc7VXg

Photo of a baby bison and its momma at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado by Rich Keen, DPRA.

There are few things stronger than the bond between a mother and her children. From the mighty muskox to the clever fox, nature continues to give us powerful examples of this unbreakable connection. So from all the kits, kids, chicks, calves and cubs, we wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day! Photo of a mama bear and cubs at Katmai National Park in Alaska by Andrew Sentipal (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

In the shadow of Wheeler Peak at Great Basin National Park in Nevada, ancient bristlecone pine trees grow on rocky glacial moraines – creating a surreal and beautiful landscape. Bristlecone pines are the world’s longest living tree. At Great Basin, a 4,900+ year old tree was removed from the Wheeler Peak grove in 1964. Photo of Bristlecone Pine at sunset by Kelly Carroll, National Park Service.

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama supports 64 rare and imperiled plant and animal species – 13 of which are found nowhere else in the world. It’s home to largest known stand of Cahaba lilies, a beautiful plant that begins to bloom around Mother’s Day. It’s always a magnificent display. Photo by Keith Bozeman (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Is it Friday yet? We definitely know how this red fox feels. 🐺

It’s a leap and a miss for this red fox that was hunting for a snack in Yellowstone National Park’s Hayden Valley. By leaping, the fox avoids the noise of running at the target, which would alert his prey to danger. Better luck next time buddy! Video by Dale Bohlke, National Park Service.

Star trails above the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah almost look like a tunnel into hyperspace. These salt flats are made of approximately 90 percent common table salt, weighing millions of tons. The crust is up to 5 feet thick near the center of this unbelievable landscape that stretches over 46 square miles – just slightly smaller than the size of San Francisco. It’s the perfect way to celebrate #MayThe4thBeWithYou! Photo by Joseph Gruber (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Running along the Minnesota River, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a natural escape from the nearby Twin Cities. The refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish and resident wildlife. Sometimes it’s so beautiful, even the deer have to stop and admire the scenery. Photo by Erik Fremstad (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument in Montana remains largely unchanged in the nearly 200 years since Meriwether Lewis and William Clark traveled through this area on their epic journey. What’s more, the first skeletal remains of dinosaurs ever discovered in North America were found right here. The monument offers natural beauty in a remote setting and plenty of opportunities to explore by hiking, fishing, or floating along the National Wild and Scenic River portion of the Missouri River. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands