Eleven Minnesotans and organizations will be honored at two regional celebrations this October for the quiet, steady work of caring for the state’s natural places
Upstream Minnesota is delighted to announce the 2026 Unsung Caretaker Honorees: eleven individuals, organizations, and community groups whose everyday stewardship tends the natural places we all share. Selected from nominations submitted by neighbors, coworkers, and community members statewide, the honorees will be recognized at two Upstream celebrations this October, one in the Twin Cities and one in West Central Minnesota.
“Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you.” Upstream Minnesota returns to that line, borrowed from the late Wendell Berry, often, and this year’s honorees live it without ever asking for thanks. Thanks to the dedication of these individuals and organizations: a cracked tennis court becomes a bicycle playground; fourth and fifth graders spend their school days banding ducks and harvesting prairie seed; a neighborhood beach once in disrepair fills with families for yoga and theater; a crew of volunteers shows up to clean a yard for a neighbor who needs a hand. This is the work that keeps Minnesota’s natural places, and the communities around them, thriving for everyone downstream.
How the Honorees Were Chosen
Nominations were open to anyone in Minnesota through August 17. Each nomination named the places the nominee has cared for, described how they show up for them, and identified the kind of caretaking that best fit their work, from tending natural places to strengthening communities and shared spaces.
“Our communities flourish because of the people who quietly care for them. The stewards among us restore, nurture, gather, welcome, and keep showing up, and they often do it without recognition. When we uplift and support these unsung caretakers, we honor the people who help make our shared places more beautiful, caring, generous, and connected. They remind us that stewardship is not only about caring for the land around us, but it is about caring for one another and creating communities where everyone has a place to belong, and can live in harmony with one another.” — Naomi RaMona Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator
2026 Unsung Caretaker Honorees
West Central Minnesota
- Cedar Walters, Fergus Falls
- Crystal Frank, WholeHeart Collective, Fergus Falls
- Fergus Falls Fish & Game Club
- Prairie Science Class Partnership, Fergus Falls
- Two Shirt Army, Fergus Falls
- Wayne Hurley, Pedal Fergus Falls, Fergus Falls
Twin Cities
- CLIMB Theatre, Inver Grove Heights
- Kelly Kazeck, Department of Children, Youth and Families, Richfield
- Martha Bird, Minneapolis
- Scott County Environmental Services, Shakopee
- Will Stensrud, Kenwood Neighborhood Organization, Minneapolis
Each honoree will receive $250 to put toward their continued volunteer stewardship work, public recognition at their regional celebration, and the title of Unsung Caretaker of Minnesota.
“There are so many dedicated people and organizations in our midst who are caring for natural places in Minnesota. We celebrate a few each year and lift them up as inspiring examples of positive actions in our communities. We are thrilled for them to share their powerful stories of stewardship.” — Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Executive Director
Two Celebrations, One Shared Purpose
Upstream is hosting two celebrations this year so more Minnesotans can take part close to home. Both events are free and open to the public, with dinner and time to connect with others who care about Minnesota’s shared natural spaces. The Twin Cities Unsung Caretaker Celebration will take place October 7, 2026 at Silverwood Great Hall at Silverwood Park.The RSVP deadline for this celebration has passed.
The West Central Unsung Caretaker Celebration will take place October 21, 2026 at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. The RSVP deadline for this celebration is October 9, 2026: RSVP HERE