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Why Target Field Is a Model for Minnesota Stewardship: Caring for Water, Waste, and Shared Spaces
At Target Field, there are waste bins for your food scraps, water refill stations to keep you hydrated, and a rainwater reuse system that saves and recycles water every time it storms. The Minnesota Twins didn’t do this for political reasons they did it because water matters here in Minnesota. They looked around, saw what… Read More →
We’re Hiring: Executive Director
After four years, our Executive Director will be handing off the leadership of Upstream this summer. Andy has helped launch the new organization and build the campaign across Minnesota. This is a planned transition as Upstream has evolved in our strategy and has established our organization. Andy is returning to his work at AGG Marketing,… Read More →
April is for Fresh Starts
Picture this, you find yourself standing in the middle of a forest glen. There is no noise but the wind brushing the pines and the rustle of dried leaves beneath your feet. Your phone has no reception and your mind is finally quiet. When you turn around, you see your neighbor, waving at you. They… Read More →
Home Gardening for Beginners: Care for Place Practices for a Thriving Minnesota Garden
Starting a home garden is a rewarding way to connect with nature, grow fresh produce, and contribute to healthier natural places. In Minnesota, where the seasons dictate planting cycles, adopting sustainable gardening practices ensures a thriving garden while minimizing your impact. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening efforts, these tips will… Read More →
Celebrating Earth Month: How to Get Involved Locally in Minnesota
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 →
Rediscovering Minnesota: Why Caring for Nature is About Belonging, Not Politics
If you want to understand how Minnesotans truly feel about nature, it’s not politics you should listen to. Instead, try talking to someone cleaning fish on the tailgate of a truck or a grandmother whose porch overlooks a wild rice bed. These conversations won’t start with opinions—they’ll start with stories. That’s the first thing that… Read More →
Dine for a Better Future: Supporting Sustainable Restaurants in Minnesota
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 →
Spring into Stewardship: Caring for Minnesota’s Water Resources
As winter melts into spring, Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands come back to life. Water is one of our state’s most precious resources, providing drinking water, recreation, and habitat for wildlife. But with spring’s thaw comes runoff, pollution, and other challenges that threaten water quality. Being a good steward of Minnesota’s water starts with small,… Read More →
Supporting Local Farmers: A Spring Stewardship Guide for Minnesotans
Spring in Minnesota marks the return of vibrant farmers’ markets, fresh seasonal produce, and new opportunities to support the hardworking farmers who sustain our communities. Choosing local food isn’t just about enjoying delicious, farm-fresh flavors—it’s also an act of stewardship. By supporting Minnesota’s farmers, we help steward the land, reduce our footprint, and build stronger… Read More →
Nurturing Pollinators: How Minnesotans Can Be Good Stewards of the Land
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 →
How to Be a Good Steward of Minnesota’s Land and Community
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 →