#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.

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)