Flint Hills

Trees and shrubs are invading prairies, hurting the wildlife and making it harder to ranch. Yet it's hard to know the full extent of the problem, so Kansas State University found a way to map it out on the cheap.

The Flint Hills Trail travels through tallgrass prairie and along riverside bluffs. It also offers a chance to stop at historic sites, such as the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park near Council Grove.

Jim Richardson had a distinguished career making images for National Geographic Magazine stories on cultural, environmental and scientific issues. His work on the Flint Hills introduced the uniquely American landscape to an international audience.