As night falls on Devils Tower National Monument, it transforms from a place of darkness into a place of wonder. Thousands of twinkling, glittering stars dot the night sky over an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the rolling prairie surrounding the Black Hills. Stay for nature’s night show at Wyoming’s Devils Tower – it’s worth it! Photo by National Park Service.

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).