The conversation about the environment is stuck in political debate, leaving out many whose opinions and values may otherwise align. Yet, as Minnesotans, we take action every day to care for our place, acting from values we share with family, neighbors, and community. To find common ground, we need to go upstream—bringing together these shared…
Last night, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center filled with neighbors, friends, and partners gathered to celebrate the 2026 West Central Unsung Caretakers, six Fergus Falls-area honorees recognized for caring for our natural places and the communities around them. Naomi Baucom, US Fish & Wildlife Service Director for the Prairie Wetlands, opened the evening with a… Read More →
10 writers selected from East Side St. Paul, West Central Minn., and Iron Range Upstream Minnesota is proud to announce the ten writers selected for its 2026 Upstream Creative Writers & Grassroots Journalism Residency Program, a program created to support storytellers who know their communities best. Upstream’s Executive Director, Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, explains this residency grew… Read More →
Written by Naomi RaMona Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator Every once in a while, a place comes into your life that quietly changes the course of it. For my daughter, Zara, that place has been the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. As a parent, there are moments you hope for… Read More →
Written by Naomi RaMona Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator In the heart of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, nestled among fields, trees, and winding country roads, is a place where gardens begin, families gather, and a deep love for the land is cultivated every day. Grass Roots Garden Center is much more than… Read More →
Writing About Natural Places, Stewards, and the Spaces We Care For: East Side St. Paul – West Central Minnesota – Iron Range Applications Closed 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 designed to support creative writers, poets, storytellers, and grassroots journalists…
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 →
