Starting a home garden is a rewarding way to connect with nature, grow fresh produce, and contribute to healthier natural places. In Minnesota, where the seasons dictate planting cycles, adopting sustainable gardening practices ensures a thriving garden while minimizing your impact. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening efforts, these tips will… Read More →
Meet the 12 Minnesotans nominated for the work they do to care for our natural places Bill Lane from Tofte was nominated for the many hours he volunteers every week to maintain the trails around him. Molly Stoddard from Fergus Falls is a true friend of the prairie grasses in West Central Minnesota. She is… Read More →
As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, Minnesota’s landscapes transform into a vibrant display of autumn beauty. Along with the seasonal changes come shifts in the behavior and visibility of the state’s diverse wildlife. Fall is an excellent time to observe these creatures as they prepare for the colder months ahead. However, it’s also… Read More →
Written by Kate Tovsen, Upstream Care for Place Fellow While my parents weren’t necessarily outdoorsy, they still imbued in me a feeling of stewardship and care for place. One of the things we regularly did as a family was taking what my mom would unironically call “trash hikes” along a small canal near our house.… Read More →
Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Minneapolis and Saint Paul or escaping to the lakes and prairies of Greater Minnesota, there’s no shortage of things to do in Minnesota in the summer. From hiking and biking to farmers markets and festivals, summer is when the Land of 10,000 Lakes truly shines. Let’s explore how… Read More →
Written by Alex Blondeau, Upstream Care for Place Fellow 2025 There was a time in my life—a time that now feels like it was quite some time ago—when I was a professional student of theology. I was used to a certain social tension that always seemed present in those circles, especially when meeting new people.… Read More →
Upstream is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that channels Minnesotan’s love of our natural places into increased connection, trust and stewardship. Our organization creates connections and shares stories that inspire more positive action to care for our natural places. As Upstream’s East St. Paul Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator you will play a vital role in… Read More →
Written by Alex Blondeau, Upstream Care for Place Fellow On the north side of Fergus Falls, not far from where I grew up, there was once a junkyard. When I was probably still in junior high, the city purchased the land and hauled away all the broken cars. I remember it being an interesting place… Read More →
As winter melts into spring, Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands come back to life. Water is one of our state’s most precious resources, providing drinking water, recreation, and habitat for wildlife. But with spring’s thaw comes runoff, pollution, and other challenges that threaten water quality. Being a good steward of Minnesota’s water starts with small,… Read More →
Minnesota’s landscapes are alive with the hum of bees, the flutter of butterflies, and the silent work of countless other pollinators. These small but mighty creatures are essential to our natural places, ensuring the reproduction of flowering plants, supporting healthy ecosystems, and helping to produce much of the food we eat. Yet, pollinators are facing… Read More →
Written by Monica Rojas and Allison Jurek, Upstream Care for Place Fellows As Upstream Care for Place Fellows, we have been able to stop and reflect about our loves of Minnesota’s natural spaces. In this final reflection, we have compiled a collection of activities you can do with little fuss or cost. We hope they… Read More →
The holiday season in Minnesota is filled with gatherings, dazzling lights, and journeys to visit loved ones across our beautiful state. Yet, as Minnesotans take to the roads for these festive occasions, it’s also a time when vehicle emissions can rise, contributing to challenges that affect the natural places we love. This year, why not… Read More →
