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 →

Minnesota’s food scene is rich with locally sourced ingredients, innovative chefs, and restaurants committed to caring for what goes on your plate. Choosing where to eat isn’t just about great flavors—it’s also an opportunity to support businesses that care for the land, minimize waste, and strengthen local communities. By dining at sustainable restaurants, you’re making…  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 →

The holiday season is a time of gathering, joy, and indulgence. Yet, it’s also an opportunity to embrace sustainable practices that celebrate Minnesota’s natural bounty, foster stewardship, and reduce our impact on natural places. By focusing on locally sourced foods, eco-friendly decor, mindful purchasing, and thoughtful travel, you can create a festive holiday experience that…  Read More →

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and enjoy delicious meals. Yet, the holiday often comes with an unintended consequence: food waste. In Minnesota alone, food waste accounts for a significant portion of what ends up in landfills, contributing to challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources. This Thanksgiving, let’s…  Read More →

As Minnesotans prepare for Thanksgiving—a time to reflect on gratitude, gather with loved ones, and embrace the bounty of our state’s natural places. This year, let’s enrich our traditions with environmental stewardship, eating local, and celebrating the incredible natural places that make Minnesota home. Give Thanks to Minnesota’s Local Bounty Minnesota’s farmers and food producers…  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 →

As the fall season sweeps across Minnesota, it brings with it a bounty of fresh, local produce. From crisp apples to hearty root vegetables, the fall harvest is a celebration of the state’s rich agricultural tradition. But beyond simply enjoying this seasonal abundance, there’s an opportunity to practice sustainable cooking that not only delights the…  Read More →

Eating seasonally is a fantastic way to support local farmers and enjoy the freshest, most flavorful produce Minnesota has to offer. Here’s a guide to the state’s best fall crops and how you can incorporate them into your meals while practicing sustainability: What’s in Season: Apples: From Honeycrisp to Haralson, Minnesota’s apples are a fall…  Read More →