The mountains in @guadalupe.mountains rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor to form an island of outstanding diversity. At first glance, the desert may seem barren and nearly devoid of life. A closer look, however, will reveal that this Texas landscape actually supports an amazing diversity of wildlife and plants. Pic by Kelly Feeney (Sharetheexperience.com).

The sky’s field of stars unfolds along the Pa'rus Trail at Zion National Park in Utah. The trail follows the Virgin River in the broadest section of Zion Canyon. Located near the visitor center, it is an easy trail to explore to see the wide range of the park’s splendor. Visiting during sunrise and sunset promises beautiful light. In the evening, the night sky promises some of the best stargazing opportunities. Don’t forget your mask! Bring water, your mask and your sense of wonder. Photo by Karen Wong (www.sharetheexperience.org).  

The silence of Yosemite National Park, #California in winter is an unforgettable experience. The low water flow in rivers creates perfect opportunities for visitors to sit and reflect on the beauty of the park. Photo of courtesy Dené Miles.

“The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and your heroism.” -Frederick Douglass wrote to Harriet Tubman

Now a sanctuary for migratory birds, areas of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland were once part of the landscape where Harriet Tubman was born and raised. The refuge has a trail named after her and honors her heroic actions that helped many slaves escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The refuge is situated in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where Tubman was born in 1822. The natural habitats of the refuge, wetlands, waterways, swamps  and upland forests, are representative of the landscape that Tubman experienced and grew up in. #BlackHistoryMonth

Let’s reflect on the awesomeness of wetlands. Wetlands recharge groundwater, reduce flooding, supply clean drinking water, support vast wildlife populations, help against climate change and offer us a place for countless cultural and recreational activities. On top of all that, the vibrant sky on display Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana reminds us that these dynamic landscapes are some of the most beautiful and serene places to visit. Photo by D. Stanley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Access in Glacier National Park, Montana during the winter is limited, but there are still spectacular sights for those who are prepared for winter adventure. The view from this snowshoe hike to Apgar Lookout rises nearly 2,000 feet above the glacially-carved, Lake McDonald Valley. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

Truly a golden hour.

Light illuminates the winter woods and makes for an enchanting entrance into Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge in #Illinois. With over 5 miles of #hiking trails and 10 miles of gravel #biking paths, observation decks, and boat and canoe access, #ChautauquaNWR offers many excellent chances to watch wildlife and enjoy the roads, less-traveled. Photo of #deer crossing the entrance road by Emily Hodapp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Zion National Park in Utah delivers winter charm with a peaceful elegance. Nearly half of Zion Canyon’s annual precipitation falls between December and March and when the temperatures drop, that means snow and frost display beautifully. Depending on elevation, the snow may accumulate or melt away quickly – either way - it’s a special time to experience the park. Check on the current conditions from the website and prepare accordingly. There’s nothing like experiencing Zion’s trees illuminated with hoarfrost and its  2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, seeps and streams decorated with a fresh coat of snow. Photo by Shauna Sprunger (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Rare sighting! Male painted buntings bring a burst of color to any scene - with spectacular feathers that look unreal. They are some of the most recognizable and striking songbirds in the country. This particular painted bunting has become a celebrity along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for the past several weeks. Normally found much farther south, this bird has stuck around, enjoying the park’s accommodations. Stretching 184.5 miles, the C&O Canal travels through Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., offering views and access to the stunning Potomac River. Throughout the year, many of the park’s 3 million annual visitors come to enjoy the outdoors, hike, bike, jog, ride horses and if they’re lucky, observe wildlife both expected and unusual. This bright bird has drawn in birders and curious onlookers, respectfully catching glimpses of it as it scours the surrounding plants for food.

Photo courtesy of Stacy Beck. Male painted buntings are the most spectacularly colored of all North American songbirds, with their bold combination of red, blue, green and yellow feathers.

Kulm Wetland Management District in North Dakota is in the heart of a prairie landscape marked by numerous wetlands called potholes. The area’s wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species. In the winter, visitors can fish, bird watch or enjoy the dawning of a new day. Photo by Krista Lundgren, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.