Clouds cover last week’s full moon, creating a spooky-looking pic of the area near Bodie Hills, California. Called the Harvest Moon, the first full moon after the fall equinox baths the sky in bright moonlight in early evening, aiding farmers in harvesting their crops. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve in Alaska erupts with color during the short fall season. You can find more than gorgeous views and amazing wildlife here, though. Field research continues to uncover evidence of prehistoric animals and the first people to settle the continent. Photo by Katie Cullen, National Park Service.

It’s National Wildlife Refuge Week! National wildlife refuges are America’s best-kept secret – offering unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors and providing vital habitat for thousands of species of animals and plants, both abundant and rare. With at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and territory (plus an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas), there’s a wildlife refuge nearby waiting to be explored. Photo Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico by Robert Dunn.

Fall is a great time to visit Zion National Park in Utah. The crowds get smaller and the temperatures cool. Along the Virgin River, cottonwoods turn golden yellow and bigtooth maples add splashes of scarlet to the canyons and trails. These streaks of color enhance the already magnificent landscape. Photo by Robert Caton (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Last week, the Northern Lights were shining bright over Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Alaska. On dark, clear nights, there’s nothing quite like watching the aurora borealis reflect off the mighty Yukon River. Photo by Jake Wiley, National Park Service.

Centennial Mountains Wilderness Study Area is some of southwest Montana’s wildest and most scenic country. The mountain range connects the Yellowstone Ecosystem with the northern Rockies, providing wildlife like moose, elk, deer, wolverines, badgers and black bears an intact migration corridor. The Continental Divide forms the southern boundary of the wilderness and the northern face of the range rises nearly 3,000 feet in less than a mile. The scenic mountains and contrasting colors of the valley provides outstanding opportunities for photography. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands

Within sight of New York City skyscrapers, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a great place for hiking, biking, boating and birding. With numerous islands, a labyrinth of waterways, meadowlands and two freshwater ponds, the wetlands provide a unique environment for both wildlife preservation and urban recreation. In every season, there’s beauty to be found. Fall photo by Micael Fano (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

If you like taking the road less traveled, the Nabesna Road at Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve might be right for you. Along the way, you’ll find scenic vistas, hiking routes and wildlife viewing, but you won’t find many people. Photo from Dead Dog Hill by Bryan Petrtyl, National Park Service.

Happy birthday, Yosemite National Park! On October 1, 1890, Yosemite became a national park, and 127 years later, it’s still wowing visitors with its waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, deep valleys and ancient giant sequoias. What’s your memory about this legendary California landmark? 

Learn more: https://on.doi.gov/yosemite 

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Basiago.

It’s National Public Lands Day! Today is the perfect time to get out and explore parks, refuges and wilderness areas near you. There are also thousands of volunteer events across the country and fees are waived, so head outdoors and enjoy some active time in nature. Photo from Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.