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 →
As the temperature drops and the ground freezes, many people assume composting is a seasonal activity that must be put on hold during the winter months, but that’s not the case! Winter composting can still thrive, and it’s an excellent way to continue your commitment to caring for our natural places, even when the snow… Read More →
The Friends of Upper Landing Park are a 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker Written by Mary Hilfiker 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker I have been to all the State Parks in Minnesota, but I still love my backyard Upper Landing Park on the Mississippi River. It has the soaring eagles, the bluffs, the history, the river, the neighbors… Read More →
Situated along the Mississippi River in the heart of the Twin Cities, St. Thomas University is inspiring the next generation of stewards. At St. Thomas, caring for our natural spaces starts with empowering students. “We’re catalyzing university-wide engagement so that we can prepare students to be leaders in sustainability, no matter what field or path… Read More →
April is Earth Month—a time to celebrate Minnesota’s natural beauty, take action for our natural places, and connect with others who care about stewardship. Whether you’re looking for a community event, a solo outdoor challenge, or a long-term commitment to caring and sustainability, there are plenty of ways to get involved. At Upstream, we believe… 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 →
Taking steps to enact sustainability practices into our everyday lives is not always easy, and can feel daunting. As we approach New Year’s, a time when many people reflect on areas they might improve upon in the new year in the form of resolutions. If you feel motivated to do something for the natural spaces… Read More →
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a memorable feast. By making a few mindful choices, you can celebrate this holiday in a way that cares for Minnesota’s natural spaces and reduces waste. Here are some simple tips to make your Thanksgiving a more sustainable celebration: Plan Your Feast with… Read More →
Minnesotans have always been stewards of the land, and supporting sustainable farming practices during the harvest season is an extension of this tradition. By choosing to buy local, sustainably grown produce, consumers play a critical role in caring for Minnesota’s agricultural future. How You Can Support Sustainable Farming This Fall: Shop at Farmers’ Markets Farmers’… Read More →
Beverly was nominated as an Upstream Unsung Caretaker for the work she does to coordinate local purchasing efforts in Willmar, working to ensure that individuals purchasing food in her community can do so with local farmers using sustainable practices. Written by Beverly Dougherty, Upstream Unsung Caretaker 2024 I have been working in local food promotion… Read More →
Written by Kathy McNamara 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker Kathy McNamara from New Prague organizes and manages a large group of volunteers to care for the extensive gardens of her hometown parish church. She began working with her fourth-grade class on a drainage and retaining wall project in 2000 because the question was asked, “What are… Read More →
Sean Connaughty is a 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker Being on the ground, observing conditions and developing a complex and reciprocal relationship with a place and its inhabitants is central to Sean Connaughty’s practice. For the past decade his labor and art practice has been focused on Bde Psin Lake Hiawatha in a stewardship relationship. Lake… Read More →
