Have you ever heard of a moonbow? Yosemite in California provides around the clock beauty, including the special conditions that create a night rainbow, known as a moonbow. Mist from the waterfalls at Upper Yosemite Falls mixed with moonlight and allowed the photographer to capture the moonbow. These lunar rainbows are rare and typically are visible in spring and early summer and can be seen on many park waterfalls. National Park Week photo by Harold Fritsche (www.sharetheexperience.org)

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, was established on this day in 1872. Passed by Congress and signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act says “the headwaters of the Yellowstone River… is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale… and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” With incredible geothermal features, amazing wildlife and stunning scenery, there’s no wonder why Yellowstone continues to fascinate us after all these years. Help protect it for future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

For waterfall lovers, there’s no better place than Yosemite National Park in California. The roar of the water, the feel of the mist and a glimpse of a rainbow give us a thrill and a sense of romance. The 317-foot tall Vernal Fall is a popular destination in the park, with views from the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. Please use caution when hiking. The trails are steep and slippery. A safe visit is a fun visit. Photo courtesy of Mark Bouldoukian.

At Great Falls Park in Virginia, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Located just fifteen miles from Washington, D.C., the park is a popular site with local residents and tourists from around the world. Photographer Gabe Leidy got to the falls early enough to enjoy this dramatic sunrise. “It was absolutely magical! Of all the places we’ve been before and since, I think my wife still talks about this one the most – what a rugged, inspirational landscape in an unassuming location.” Photo courtesy of Gabe Leidy.

Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of Colorado’s Uncompahgre Plateau. Red rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. 115 miles of streams and rivers support a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagle, turkey, elk, mountain lion, black bear and collared lizard. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management.

The ‘Ōhiʻa (pronounced oh-hee-yah), is a small flowering tree with incredible cultural and ecological importance to Hawaii. Once lava cools — before any other life can return — the ‘Ōhiʻa tree grows. It is the lone voyager. It’s bright red blossoms and green leaves can be seen dotting barren lava fields across the big island of Hawaii. Without the ʻŌhiʻa to help bring life back to the land, the cycle of creation after a lava flow would be disrupted. Unfortunately, ʻŌhiʻa are facing an invasive fungal pathogen and we need help identifying it and protecting this important tree. Photo courtesy of J. B. Friday.

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park. Today, millions visit Yellowstone to experience what makes the park so unique, from the waterfalls and wildlife, to the geysers and rich history. Yellowstone continues to be an unparalleled place of wonder and discovery. Check out 7 surprising facts about Yellowstone as we celebrate the park’s birthday: http://on.doi.gov/24zbV9d Photo of by Lawrence Rafter (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Happy birthday to the National Park Service! For 102 years, the Park Service’s dedicated rangers, maintenance workers, law enforcement officers, scientists, staff and volunteers have worked to protect and preserve our national treasures. From places of incredible historical impact to icons of natural beauty, our national parks have amazed millions of visitors and will inspire generations to come. Photo of the first national park – Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming – by Bianca Klein, National Park Service.

A walk in the woods can feel like an escape from the stress of modern life. Enveloped by green, sheltered by the forest canopy, it’s easy to surrender to the songs of birds and the whisper of a flowing stream. Close to the urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers miles of hiking, biking and riding trails, numerous waterfalls, picturesque meadows and the peace you’re looking for. Photo by Amjad Zwaid (www.sharetheexperience.org).

On the one mile Yahoo Falls loop trail at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Kentucky, visitors can actually walk behind the waterfalls as they plunge 113 feet over the large rock shelf. In the deep forest, passing from sun to shade with the roar of the water in your ears and the spray of mist on your skin, it’s an adventure for all your senses. It’s just one of the many spectacular outdoor experiences you can have in this wonderful 125,000-acre park. Photo by Tom Wood (www.sharetheexperience.org).