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 →
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 →
Meet the 12 Minnesotans nominated for the work they do to care for our natural places Bill Lane from Tofte was nominated for the many hours he volunteers every week to maintain the trails around him. Molly Stoddard from Fergus Falls is a true friend of the prairie grasses in West Central Minnesota. She is… Read More →
M Health Fairview is using food as medicine through its partnership with local farms. Loving where we live means enjoying the vegetation our natural places offer. Nutrition is at the forefront of M Health Fairview’s mind as nutritious foods are the key to good health. However, for many families in Minnesota, it is difficult to… Read More →
Jenna Ray is the Deputy Executive Director of Community Impact at GiveMN where she is leading the way to increase confidence across our state’s nonprofit sector. Since joining the team in 2022 Jenna has named and reframed the norms and aligned programs to build programming across GiveMN. Jenna has a B.A. of English, Theatre Arts,… Read More →
Interfaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) began in 2015 with folks coming together around a common theme: caring for our environment for generations to come. The Creation Care group led by Chris Erickson at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville — a southern suburb of the Twin Cities — wanted to reach beyond their… Read More →
One way to care for the tree canopy in your yard, neighborhood, local schools, and parks is through pruning and maintinence. Caring for and pruning trees & shrubs properly, especially in the first few years of life, is essential for their long term health. I have held a few tree maintenance workshops in my home… Read More →
