It's officially summer, season of beaches, iced coffee and, of course, the great outdoors.
The Department of the Interior has been chronicling the beauty of America's public lands on its Instagram account. The photos, taken by parkgoers, department employees and sometimes even Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, feature stunning vistas and the more-than-occasional baby animal.
Americans have quite a few options when it comes to exploring the natural world. Nearly one-fifth of the landmass of the United States is protected land managed by the DOI. This includes more than 400 national park sites (find one near you here) overseen by the National Park Service, a division of the agency. The NPS is celebrating its centennial next year, and has been actively encouraging people to get out there and "Find Your Park."
Below, take a look at some of the spectacular photos -- baby animals included -- that have been featured on the department's account over the past few weeks. If you've taken photos of America's public lands, you can upload them here for a chance to have them featured on the DOI account. Follow along throughout the rest of the year @usinterior.
