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 →
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 →
Written by Monica Rojas and Allison Jurek, Upstream Care for Place Fellows As Upstream Care for Place Fellows, we have been able to stop and reflect about our loves of Minnesota’s natural spaces. In this final reflection, we have compiled a collection of activities you can do with little fuss or cost. We hope they… Read More →
Written by Alex Blondeau, Upstream Care for Place Fellow Everything was new in this place, or so I thought. As I walked through the tall grass, my senses were on fire as I took in the abundance of textures, colors, and sounds. I was in my late 30s, exploring for the first time a section… Read More →
Taking steps to enact sustainability practices into our everyday lives is not always easy, and can feel daunting. As we approach New Year’s, a time when many people reflect on areas they might improve upon in the new year in the form of resolutions. If you feel motivated to do something for the natural spaces… Read More →
The holiday season in Minnesota is filled with gatherings, dazzling lights, and journeys to visit loved ones across our beautiful state. Yet, as Minnesotans take to the roads for these festive occasions, it’s also a time when vehicle emissions can rise, contributing to challenges that affect the natural places we love. This year, why not… Read More →
Upstream is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that channels Minnesotan’s love of our natural places into increased connection, trust and stewardship. Our organization creates connections and shares stories that inspire more positive action to care for our natural places. As the West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator you will play a vital role in advancing… Read More →
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and while Black Friday and Cyber Monday often conjure images of big-box retailers and endless online deals, there’s a better way to shop this year: shop small and support Minnesota brands. By shifting your spending to local businesses, you can make a meaningful impact in your community while… Read More →
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and enjoy delicious meals. Yet, the holiday often comes with an unintended consequence: food waste. In Minnesota alone, food waste accounts for a significant portion of what ends up in landfills, contributing to challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources. This Thanksgiving, let’s… Read More →
As Minnesotans prepare for Thanksgiving—a time to reflect on gratitude, gather with loved ones, and embrace the bounty of our state’s natural places. This year, let’s enrich our traditions with environmental stewardship, eating local, and celebrating the incredible natural places that make Minnesota home. Give Thanks to Minnesota’s Local Bounty Minnesota’s farmers and food producers… Read More →
Caring for Minnesota doesn’t have to be overwhelming or require big, drastic changes. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to start is by reassessing how we commute every day. Small shifts in transportation habits can lead to significant improvements, benefiting both the state and its residents. The Impact of Daily Commutes For many,… Read More →
How two Entrepreneurs are creating welcoming places for people and plants Confluence is a new story series by Upstream that shares stories of two or more Minnesotans whose values around their love and care for place align and how their individual practices manifest in their stewardship. Every year Upstream celebrates Minnesotans going above and beyond… Read More →
