Join us on April 22 for Navigating Upstream, a gathering and fundraiser focused on the future of Minnesota’s natural places. Your support helps power this work, bringing Minnesotans together, building community, and inspiring stewardship for Minnesota’s land, water, and air.
As the crisp autumn air settles over Minnesota and the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, many of us eagerly embrace the seasonal rituals that come with this time of year. From raking leaves to preparing our gardens for winter, fall offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our connection to nature… Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
Written by John Fennig, a 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker Dr. John Fennig, 64, has spent 40 years of his life in Minnesota – first at St. John’s University where the 2,000 acres of woods called regularly for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and camping out. In 1988 he moved back from grad school in psychology… 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 →
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 →
Written by Alex Blondeau 2024 Upstream Unsung Caretaker I’ve become a student once again, adding another chapter to my varied educational journey. Over the years, I’ve been trained as a fine artist, a professional graphic designer, a motorcycle seat manufacturer, an academic theologian, a contractor, and a utility meter reader. Now, because why not, I’ve… Read More →
