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 →
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 →
As the snow melts and the first buds of spring emerge, Minnesota comes alive with new energy. It’s a season of renewal—not just for the land, but for our communities. Spring offers a powerful reminder that we are all stewards of this place we call home. Through small, intentional acts, we can nurture our natural… Read More →
In every corner of Minnesota, individuals are quietly committed to caring for our natural places. They embody the essence of stewardship, not for recognition but out of love for the land, water, and communities we call home. This year, Upstream is proud to honor the 2024 Unsung Caretakers, whose stories remind us of the importance… Read More →
Written by Allison Jurek, Upstream Care for Place Fellow Connect with place, know place, care for place. A simple three-stepped mantra that can serve to inspire. In my previous story, I offered the practice of forest bathing as a way of living this mantra. I’ll be the first to agree that the term ‘forest bathing’… Read More →
Written by Allison J. Egan, Program Manager, Sustainability – Health Partners on behalf of Regions Hospital Energy Team, Upstream Unsung Caretaker 2024 “As part of our mission to improve health and well-being in partnership with our members, patients, and community, Regions Hospital has had a long-standing commitment to energy efficiency and conservation. In addition to… Read More →
Mary Flood was nominated for the care in her yard where she gardens without chemicals. She celebrates her garden in photos which she then makes greeting cards from. Written by Mary Flood, Upstream Unsung Caretaker 2024 I go Upstream in small every day ways with the intention of reducing my impact (or having a positive… Read More →
Written by Molly Stoddard, Upstream Unsung Caretaker 2024 Congratulations to Upstream Unsung Caretaker Molly Stoddard who is making Minnesota a better place through her stewardship efforts. It is very tough to highlight just one favorite place outside in Minnesota, so let me say this, the prairie. Most people go up north to the woods, I… 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 →
Written by Mary Gold, Upstream Care for Place Fellow Every Spring I am greeted by 300 blooming Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids! Orchid hunting in early June is always a surprise and a delight when I search for them on our land in central Minnesota. John Muir said, “Into the forest I must go, to lose… Read More →
Written by David Fallon, Upstream Care for Place Fellow The other day I went to see my mother at the cemetery. Lakewood was so beautiful and yet, despite the natural beauty of the place it seemed like something had been taken from it. There was no snow. Barely any ice on the water. At the… Read More →
Written by Mary Gold, Upstream Care for Place Fellow I have a bird feeder in my yard that is always full, yet never needs filling! Many species of birds grace my yard with their beauty and songs! This idyllic picture became a reality for me when I began to think like a bird so I… Read More →
