Photographer Saxon Smith loves making the drive out to Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It’s a great place to escape the city and explore a lovely natural area. “After a gorgeous hike among wildflowers and blooming cacti this spring, we stayed in the refuge until dusk to see the sunset before heading home. As with most Oklahoma sunsets - especially with the backdrop of our beautifully worn and ancient Wichita mountains - it did not disappoint.” Photo courtesy of Saxon Smith.

In Native American legends, raccoons are often known as tricksters and mischief-makers. Highly intelligent and resourceful, raccoons are one of the most widespread mammals in North America. They have adapted to live in forests, mountainous areas, coastal marshes and even urban centers. This one was spotted hanging out at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Bill Buchanan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Oh deer! We can’t hide from another birthday post!

March 14 marks the birth of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Things looked a lot different back in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national wildlife refuge on Pelican Island in Florida to protect wild birds. But today, the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a premier network of public lands, with over 567 wildlife refuges in each state and territory. They support thousands of iconic plants and animals, local communities and outdoor adventure. It’s probably easier than you realize to visit a local wildlife refuge, and what better day to plan your next trip than today? Photo courtesy of Dawn Wilson.