For Jim Brandenburg, preserving Rock County land means protecting it for perpetuity.
12:00 am, Jul. 7, 2021
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Touch the Sky Prairie consists of nearly 1,200 acres, with more land to be added this year. The prairie, photographed on June 22, 2021, is part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Tim Middagh/The Globe)
LUVERNE — A blooming prickly pear cactus displays its bright yellow petals as acres of prairie grasses gently wave in the breeze. In the distance, one can hear the chorus of birds welcoming a new day on the prairie, while nearby, a nesting pheasant hen gets spooked and takes flight.