Written by Dr. Eric Ruhland, Upstream Unsung Caretaker 2024 Dr. Eric Ruhland has been a scientist, avid outdoorsman, and conservation steward for as long as he can remember. Dr. Eric grew up in a large family on a small dairy farm in Western Minnesota. The son of a conservation-minded dairy farmer, whose farming practices used… 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 →
Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary is a black-led, nature-based healing retreat created to provide rest, reconnection, and rejuvenation of mind, body & soul for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color across generations. We are building an intentional space rooted in healing, restoration, and thriving in the region of Minnesota’s North Shore. Written by Rebeka Ndosi,… Read More →
Written by Naima Dhore, Upstream Care for Place Fellow Farming holds a personal significance for me. In Somalia, our connection to food was direct – fresh fish from the coast, abundant fruits and vegetables from our home garden, and fresh milk and eggs from neighbors. There were no processed foods; everything was local, organic, without… Read More →
Written by Maurice Durham Jr, Upstream Care for Place Fellow As I ventured into the heart of Minnesota, the landscape unfolded like a living green tapestry of wildlife and natural beauty. The gentle rustling of squirrels scampering amidst the trees served as a playful prelude to the rich variety of creatures that called this land… Read More →
John Larsen is the co-founder of Upstream and co-founder of Design 45. Meet John Larsen, the co-founder of Upstream, an architect and co-founder of Design 45, a design firm that focuses on creating spaces for people to thrive regardless of what’s happening in our climate. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of… Read More →
Anthony Quill is a Minnesota dad and blogger who loves experiencing epic adventures with his wife and two kids. He is Twin Cities-based but globally bound, traveling with his family everywhere from Minnesota’s North Shore to Morocco, Spain, and Italy. No matter the distance, he always returns to his roots on the North Shore, and… Read More →
Part of the Looking for Common Ground series Lisa Johnson for Upstream A fourth-generation farmer is caught between life and legacy as he ponders the end of an era On the day spring farm work began in Grant County, Minnesota this year, for the first time in over 100 years, Martin Johnson’s descendants weren’t heading for… Read More →
In the heart of Minneapolis where concrete dominates the landscape, David Wilson, Chair of Green Minneapolis, professes an extraordinary love for trees that runs deep. His passion stems from a profound connection to his roots: intertwining a tale of heritage and an appreciation for trees. David’s journey begins with memories of his immigrant grandparents from… Read More →
Jerry Johnston raises cows in Northern Minnesota along with his family. The Floodwood resident has a small dairy farm that’s operated by him and his family. He’s spent the better part of his life caring for cows. Whether at his grandparents or at his uncle’s, caring for them became second nature. His goal was to… Read More →
Brad and Leanne Donnay’s dairy farm in Kimball, is a leading producer of Minnesota goat cheese, or Chevre. Their whole family, Brad, Leanne and their 5 children milk 140 goats twice a day, then turn the milk into 20,000 pounds of delicious cheese a year. Their entire practice is sustainable and with an eye toward… Read More →
