Eleven Minnesotans and organizations will be honored at two regional celebrations this October for the quiet, steady work of caring for the state’s natural places Upstream Minnesota is delighted to announce the 2026 Unsung Caretaker Honorees: eleven individuals, organizations, and community groups whose everyday stewardship tends the natural places we all share. Selected from nominations… Read More →
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 →
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 →
Meet two incredible Minnesotans showing us what everyday care looks like! Valerie has created a true pollinator’s paradise in her yard, caring for bees and other critters in ways most of us could only dream of. She’s the neighborhood’s emergency call for animals in need, always ready to help, relocate, or nurture a creature in… Read More →
Written by Danelle Hubert, Fergus Falls Community Coordinator Lisa Workman is the president of the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for bringing together businesses and non-profit organizations in our community to provide support, resources, and networking opportunities to nearly 400 businesses in our town. And it’s no secret that Lisa has one… Read More →
Minnesota is known for its lakes, forests, and wide-open prairies, but some of our most important natural areas are found right in the heart of our cities. Urban green spaces are the parks, gardens, trails, and tree-lined streets that make our neighborhoods more beautiful, healthy, and connected. From the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis to… Read More →
Every corner of Minnesota from winding shorelines to tucked‑away patches of prairie thrives because of unsung caretakers. They are neighbors, volunteers, stewards, and community groups who dedicate time, energy, and heart to preserving the natural beauty we share. At Upstream, we’re shining a light on them with our Unsung Caretakers Awards — and we need… Read More →
In every corner of Minnesota, individuals are quietly committed to caring for our natural places. They embody the essence of stewardship, not for recognition but out of love for the land, water, and communities we call home. This year, Upstream is proud to honor the 2024 Unsung Caretakers, whose stories remind us of the importance… Read More →
Upstream is seeking passionate Minnesotans who celebrate and care for our state’s natural places! If you have a unique way of caring for Minnesota’s outdoor spaces and want to inspire others to do the same, apply to join the Care for Place Fellowship. 🌎🌱💻 This fellowship will gather 5 Minnesotans from across the state, who… 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 →
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 →
