Explore Nature

Protecting nature doesn’t have to start in a park, it can start at home! Plant natives, remove invasives, and never release pets into the wild. Small choices in our own communities can help restore balance across entire ecosystems. 🏡Get started ➡️ go.nps.gov/CAH-invasive #NISAW

Aquatic invaders can hitch a ride on boats and gear. Pledge to protect rivers, lakes, and the life they support by remembering three simple steps every time you’re on the water: 🚿 Clean 💧 Drain 🧽 Dry More ➡️go.nps.gov/idkt_cdd #NISAW #CleanDrainDry

Across the country, people and parks are working together to restore habitats and protect native species from invasive threats. 🌱 Early detection and community science are making a difference, and you can help! Become a Wild Spotter ➡️ wildspotter.org #NISAW #WildSpotter

Prevention is the most effective and least expensive way to stop the spread invasive of species. Simple steps taken before, during, and after your adventure can make a big difference! Find out how you can help stop the spread ➡️ go.nps.gov/preventinvasiv… #NISAW 📸 NPS / J. Chase

It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW)! Invasive species can disrupt the balance of ecosystems in parks and in the places we live, work and explore. Learn more➡️ go.nps.gov/NISAW #NISAW #StopTheSpread 📸 NPS / J. Chase

Join the count, it only takes 15 minutes! 🐦 The Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb 13–16) invites people everywhere to watch birds and share what they see, helping researchers understand and protect bird populations worldwide. ➡️ birdcount.org #GBBC

The 2026 National Fossil Day artwork is here! It journeys back to an Ice Age wetland inspired by @WhiteSandsNPS, where animal tracks appear alongside some of the oldest human footprints in North America. Their story is written in the ground. More ➡️ go.nps.gov/NFD2026

New year, new adventures? ❄️🌲 Winter can be one of the most magical times to explore nature — it just takes a little extra planning. Get some winter exploration tips ➡️ go.nps.gov/IDKTWinter What’s first on your list to explore in 2026? 📸 NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Happy National Bird Day! 🐦 From making windows safer to creating bird-friendly habitat in your yard or neighborhood, small actions make a big difference for our feathered friends. Find out how ➡️ go.nps.gov/CAH-birds 📸 NPS / Kara Lewandowski

As the longest night settles in, the return of light quietly begins! The Winter Solstice is a reminder that nature moves in cycles, and each season brings its own kind of beauty. Learn more and discover ways to celebrate ➡️ go.nps.gov/IDKT-solstice 📸 NPS #IDKT #WinterSolstice

Happy Owl-idays! 🦉✨ We hope your holidays are otterly joyful, peak in the very best way, and really rock. 🦦🏔️🪨 Stay sharp and go all in this season by sending some tree-mendous greetings to your fellow park lovers. Send some holiday park joy ➡️ go.nps.gov/holidaycards

Happy International Mountain Day! 🏔️✨ From glacier-carved peaks to volcanic summits, mountains shape some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the country. Ready to explore the heights? Discover mountain parks ➡️ go.nps.gov/mountainparks

Seeing with sound? Yes, that’s a thing! 🔊👀 NPS scientists use sound waves to see underwater, mapping the seafloor to reveal habitats and long-lost cultural treasures. Dive into our latest I Didn’t Know That! to learn more ➡️ go.nps.gov/idkt-seafloor 📸 NPS #IDKT #ParkScience

Happy Thanksgiving! Check out this list of 25 things we’re grateful for in parks and 25 easy ways to give back to nature. ➡️ go.nps.gov/thanksnature 📸 NPS / J. Zylland #SayThanks #Gratitude

During the federal government shutdown, this account will continue to share critical information about park access, safety, and resources. Some services may be limited. For more details, visit: doi.gov/shutdown

Keep an eye on birdcast.info to see nationwide migration alerts and find out who's passing overhead in your local community.

MIGRATION ALERT! Tonight, BirdCast predicts that 438 million birds will be migrating under the cover of darkness. Help keep them safe: 💡Turn off nonessential lights from 11 PM - 6 AM 🪟Treat glass with bird-friendly solutions ➡️ bit.ly/stopbirdcollis… #LightsOutForBirds

🍁 Happy first day of fall! 🍁 Fallen leaves = winter homes. 🍁🐝🦋 This fall, leave the leaves in your backyard to help pollinators make it through to spring. ➡️ go.nps.gov/IDKT-Leaves #Pollinators #FirstDayOfFall 📸 NPS Photo

Keep an eye on birdcast.info to see nationwide migration alerts and find out who's passing overhead in your local community.

MIGRATION ALERT! Tonight, BirdCast predicts that 253 million+ birds will be migrating under the cover of darkness. Help keep them safe: 💡Turn off nonessential lights from 11 PM - 6 AM 🪟Treat glass with bird-friendly solutions ➡️ bit.ly/stopbirdcollis… #LightsOutForBirds