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.
Written by Juan Diego Perez la Cruz Before arriving in Minnesota, I remember many phone calls with my father revolving around the natural differences he could observe through the window between Venezuela and Minnesota. The heavy snowfalls blended with an unfamiliar landscape that impressed him, as every couple of months, he had a new horizon… Read More →
Written by Gunnar Carlson, Upstream Care for Place Fellow When I tell people I like to fly fish their first question is usually, “where?”. I laugh and then tell them, “anywhere”! This leads to a conversation about where you can fly fish in the city. I live in North Minneapolis and most traditional fly fishing… 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 →
Written by Jamie Hudalla I teach in the English Department at Bethel University, and one of my courses is an introduction to academic writing. I was able to choose a topic for that academic writing to focus on, and that topic is biomimicry. I heard of the concept from Janine Benyus, who describes it as… Read More →
Written by Juan Diego Perez la Cruz In the heart of Minnesota, a journey of personal and familial significance unfolded—a narrative that encapsulates the essence of migration, resilience, and emotional connection. I’m Juan Diego Perez la Cruz, and my story intertwines with the city of Maracaibo in Venezuela, specifically in the warm state of Zulia.… 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 →
Written by Kate Tovsen, Upstream Care for Place Fellow My name is Kate Westlund Tovsen, and I currently live in Linwood Township and am in the process of moving up to Ely. A fateful spring break trip my freshman year of college introduced me to a group of students that would forever change my relationship… Read More →
St. Thomas infuses sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from academic programs and student activities to facilities and dining operations. We are working as a community toward a goal of carbon neutrality by 2035, which is why St. Thomasa’ Board of Trustees approved a university commitment to divest our endowment from fossil fuels. Our… Read More →
In West Saint Paul, the Residents of Color Collective (ROCC) is dedicated to providing resources for BIPOC residents and to improving their city and their state. Through essential drives, food deliveries, and resource fairs, ROCC provides residents of color with the tools they need to succeed in a community where they are often overlooked. As… Read More →
Written by David Joos, President of Abbott Northwestern Hospital A wildlife- friendly landscaping plan is part of Allina Health’s multi-year infrastructure project at Abbott Northwestern Hospital that benefits the environment and pollinators Allina Health is showing its commitment to sustainability in its multi-year infrastructure project on the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus in the Midtown Phillips… Read More →
Sydney Hobart, Community Health Improvement Consultant at Allina Health shares how she is Caring for Place: I grew up in a place where bike commuting was largely impossible due to poor infrastructure and unsafe cycling conditions. It just wasn’t baked into the culture, nor was there intention or investment to do so. Imagine my surprise… Read More →
Watch Melissa’s video on #CaringForPlace: Meet Melissa Dressely, the founder of North Shore Explorer, a guide from Duluth up to the Canadian border, download her North Shore Guide. What’s Your Upstream Story? We share stories of stewardship written by and about Minnesotans like you! Share your story here.
