Writing About Natural Places, Stewards, and the Spaces We Care For: East Side St. Paul – West Central Minnesota – Iron Range Applications Open June 8, 2026 – Closes July 6th, 2026 11:59 PM Program Overview Upstream Creative Writers/Grassroots Journalism Residency: Writing About Natural Places, Stewards, and the Spaces We Care For is a 9-month remote residency…
Written by Naomi RaMona Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator for Upstream Photo by: Jon Solinger I come from a long line of farmers and so does my daughter. Some of my earliest and most meaningful memories are rooted in the land. My grandmother grew her own vegetables and fruit trees, and our… Read More →
Celebrate, connect, and care for the places we love Across Minnesota, our communities are coming together to care for our lakes, rivers, parks, and neighborhoods in ways that are hands-on, hopeful, and rooted in connection. This year, Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22, but celebrations and volunteer opportunities are happening all week long from… 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 →
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 →
Everyday Minnesotans. Extraordinary Care. At the recent Upstream Celebration, we gathered with Minnesotans from across the state who share a simple but powerful belief: when we care for our home, we shape a better future together. 💙 This year’s Unsung Caretakers reminded us that stewardship takes many forms, from city leadership and innovation to… Read More →
Written by Alex Blondeau, Upstream Care for Place Fellow 2025 There was a time in my life—a time that now feels like it was quite some time ago—when I was a professional student of theology. I was used to a certain social tension that always seemed present in those circles, especially when meeting new people.… 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 Upstream’s East St. Paul Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator you will play a vital role in… Read More →
In the hustle and noise of daily life, nature has a quiet but powerful way of bringing us back to ourselves. Whether it’s a stroll through a neighborhood park, a hike along the North Shore, or simply tending a garden, green spaces offer more than just beauty—they offer healing. In Minnesota, where seasons shift dramatically… Read More →
Written by Alex Blondeau, Upstream Care for Place Fellow On the north side of Fergus Falls, not far from where I grew up, there was once a junkyard. When I was probably still in junior high, the city purchased the land and hauled away all the broken cars. I remember it being an interesting place… Read More →
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 →
