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 Naomi Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator Rooted in a legacy of stewardship, I come from a family deeply connected to land, community, and care. My grandfather was a farmer, hunter, and self-taught woodworker who honored the land and respected all life. My grandmother, a seamstress and nurse, along with my… Read More →
Minnesotans are strong, we shows up every day as we care for one another and the places we share. This culture of reliability is the foundation of strong communities. From shoveling driveways after a snowstorm to volunteering, we Minnesotans demonstrate that being dependable matters. When we show up, we build trust. When we follow through,… Read More →
In Minnesota, our shared love of natural places has a way of bringing us together, even when we don’t agree on much else. From the shores of Lake Superior to the winding trails of the Boundary Waters, our communities are shaped by the land we call home. We don’t have to agree on politics, religion,… Read More →
Written by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Upstream Executive Director I was in Fergus Falls this past week for some meetings after the big snowstorm that blew across much of Minnesota. One person I met with spoke passionately about his love of small towns in rural Minnesota. He talked about his home outside of Fergus Falls, where he… Read More →
Written by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Upstream Executive Director Someone I respect very much spoke this week about the upcoming rebound of Minnesotans. She was referring to a time when we begin to emerge from the crisis situation in Minnesota of the past two months. I was struck with a moment of hope! She acknowledged it may… Read More →
Written by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Upstream Executive Director It has been a profoundly challenging time in Minnesota. Over the past few weeks, Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been killed. I don’t know how many have been detained. So many people are living in fear. Tens of thousands are protesting. But it is in these extremely… Read More →
Date: April 22nd, 2026 Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM Location: Wise Design Remodeling 2327 Wycliff Street, Suite 110, St. Paul, MN 55114 Upstream’s mission is to channel Minnesotans’ love for our natural places into greater trust, connection and stewardship. We’re inviting you to donate, invite your friends, and spend a few hours with us supporting…
Minnesota’s winter may feel long, but seeds are working behind the scenes, preparing for spring and supporting the pollinators that keep our landscapes vibrant. Recently, we had the chance to chat with the MN Seed Project team about their work cultivating native seeds, connecting communities, and helping Minnesotans take care of the land right in… Read More →
Upstream Minnesota is here to inspire greater trust, connection and stewardship of the people and places in our great state. The recent actions of some people, many not from Minnesota, have compromised our trust in one another. We remain steadfast in our commitment to building trust and connection, now more than ever. We are a… Read More →
Maximize your generosity as a donor by having your company match donations and/or volunteer hours. 3M* Accenture* AgriBank Alliance Data Allianz^ Ameriprise Financial Annie E. Casey Foundation* Archer Daniels Midland* BAE Systems* Best Buy BMO Harris Bank Boston Scientific* Braun Intertec* Brookfield Office Properties* Bush Foundation* Cambridge Investment Research* Cargill* CBRE Group* CenterPoint Energy C.H.… Read More →
Caring for our shared home, Minnesota, often begins with small acts of love. For some, it’s a Saturday spent planting trees or volunteering at a local park. For others, it’s a daily ritual of noticing what needs care and quietly taking action. Ken embodies this spirit of stewardship in everything he does. For decades, he’s… Read More →
At Upstream, we believe caring for Minnesota begins with the people who care for the places around them, consistently, and without need for recognition. Bill Newman and Steve Waderich embody this spirit of stewardship through their deep commitment to both people and place. Their stories remind us that caring for Minnesota means finding common ground,… Read More →
