Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

Photo by National Park Service South Florida / Caribbean Network

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge lies in northern Utah, where the Bear River flows into the northeast arm of the Great Salt Lake. The Refuge protects the marshes found at the mouth of the Bear River; these marshes are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Since these marshes are in turn surrounded by arid desert lands, it is little wonder that they have always been an oasis for waterfowl.

Photo: Sandy Mitchell, USFWS 

Today is World Water Day. The U.S. Department of the Interior is tackling America’s water challenges by providing leadership and assistance to states, tribes and local communities to address these competing demands for water. We are helping communities improve conservation and increase water availability, restore watersheds and resolve longstanding water conflicts.

This photo shows the most famous Dam in the United States, the Hoover Dam, which is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.

To learn more about Interior’s work on America’s water challenges, click here. 

Photo: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation