Wispy clouds float over Jackson Lake as the sun slowly sinks behind the Teton mountains at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Snow still covers the towering, jagged mountains, but daytime temperatures are climbing into the 60s. Now that the roads are cleared, it’s a great time to explore the park. Photo by Shelley Davault (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Sunset lights up the water and sky at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. The refuge, known to early homesteaders as the Great Wisconsin Swamp, provides important habitat for endangered species like the Karner blue butterfly and whooping crane. Of the experience, photographer Darlene Martin says: “The sanctuary is spectacular and surprisingly large. It was a beautiful spring evening, and the brilliance of the sunset was quite unexpected.” Photo courtesy of Darlene Martin.

This blacktail deer knows how to enjoy the wildflowers in Olympic National Park in Washington. Find a meadow covered in flowering purple lupines and settle in for a relaxing afternoon. Is there anything more peaceful than this? Photo by Jim Tobalski (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

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.