#TeamPublicLands Tip: Let’s care for one another and mask up! With over 450 million acres to explore, federal public lands are a great place to get outside, socially distance, and improve your mental and physical health. But if you’re inside a building or exploring a place where social distancing isn’t possible – like a crowded overlook or passing someone on a trail – you’ll need to wear a mask. 

Photo of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma by Larry Smith (ShareTheExperience.org). https://www.doi.gov/blog/welcome-team-public-lands

Soft clouds and distant rain set a stunning mountain scene at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. A hike to the top of Elk Mountain Trail offers spectacular views and a rewarding glimpse of the valley. The refuge has 15 miles of designated hiking trails that wind along rocky stretches, scrub oak forest and over grass prairie. Wildlife abounds along these trails. Bring plenty of water, a map and a sense of adventure. It’s national wildlife refuge week and we’re happy to celebrate the vast diversity of the amazing land and waters that make up the National Wildlife Refuge System. Photo by Kim Isaac (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Roam, bison style, under a gorgeous sky. The magnificent Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma includes 8,570 acres of designated wilderness and beautiful places to roam. Home to approximately 650 American bison, this stunning prairie land also provides habitat for bison, white-tailed deer, elk, Texas longhorn cattle, and more than 240 bird and 50 mammal species. Photographer Debra Gail explains why this photo means something to her,  "I am overwhelmed by the emotions I feel when having the opportunity to photograph in this extraordinary place. I love the bison’s symbolism because they are the largest land animal in the United States, and the refuge is on the Great Plains, a land on which I feel most connected.“ Photo courtesy of Debra Gail.

You can’t help be feel a connection to the past at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Formation of these mountains began some 500 million years ago when stratified layers of eroded silt were deposited. Through the ages, natural forces have chiseled and sculpted the mountains until all that remain of the once lofty escarpments are weather-reduced knobs and domes. Among these rocky ridges, still waters and grassy prairies, bison, elk, wild turkey, river otters and prairie dogs roam unconcerned. It’s easy to imagine it as a world before people. Photo courtesy of Micah Uchida.

Wisps of fog and subtle light set the scene at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Quanah Parker Lake. Located in southwest Oklahoma, amidst a sea of mixed grass prairie, the refuge protects a portion of this precious habitat, some 59,000 acres, and its wild residents. Elk graze the grasslands, along with herds of bison, deer and longhorn. Soon in April, cow elk will drop their calves and wildflowers will provide graceful color to the fields. The area’s rich ecological heritage offers excellent wildlife viewing and 15 miles of trails with varying landscapes. A visit here will have you ready to plan your next trip back. Photo courtesy of Larry Smith.

Meet me underneath the Oklahoma Sky - Miranda Lambert

Water reflects the lovely Oklahoma sky at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Nothing beats a crisp afternoon hike through the rugged scenery of the refuge. Set aside time and explore the many outdoor adventure opportunities, with plenty of walking and hiking trails, places for biking, fishing, camping and views of the stunning Oklahoma landscape.  Photo courtesy of Jennifer Gurtz.

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.

Follow the creek decorated with Indian paintbrush up through Charon’s Garden Wilderness at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The refuge has over 15 miles of trails – taking you through scenic rocky outcrops, beautiful mixed-grass prairie and scrub oak forest. With 8,570 acres of designated wilderness, the refuge offers backcountry camping by permit in certain portions of the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Photo by Steven Hunter (www.sharetheexperience.org)

The gorgeous landscape of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma includes the delightful oasis of Treasure Lake near Elk Mountain. The refuge boasts almost 60,000 acres of natural grasslands that are now home to reintroduced species including bison, elk, prairie dogs, river otters and burrowing owls. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, fishing, climbing, hunting and walking among wildflower blooms. Photo by Stan Schwartz (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The rocky terrain of Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is an oasis of natural grassland among developed farms. Almost 60,000 acres are now home to reintroduced species including bison, elk, prairie dogs, river otters and burrowing owls. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, fishing, climbing, hunting and walking among wildflower blooms. Photo by Daniel Suh (www.sharetheexperience.org).