Jim Brandenburg's prairie

by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio

National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg grew up on a prairie farm. Now he's started a foundation to preserve prairie land. The Touch the Sky Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge -- bought and operated with Brandenburg Foundation money -- is near Blue Mound State Park in far southwestern Minnesota.

Brandenburg chose a Duluth gallery for a new show of his powerful prairie photographs.

Duluth, Minn. — Jim Brandenburg is best known for his images of the Northwoods -- complete with wolves, moose, and deep, deep, snow.

But he says he can take more pictures in a day on the prairie than in a day in the Boundary Waters -- because it's where he grew up.

The exhibit of prairie photographs, "Touch the Sky," will be on view at Sivertson Gallery in Duluth through May.

Brandenburg is teaming up with musician Michael Monroe for a slide show and concert, Monday May 1 at the DECC in Duluth.

Brandenburg talked with MPR's Stephanie Hemphill about his love of the prairie, and his photographs which capture its beauty.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 04/25/2006, 5:53 p.m.