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 →
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a memorable feast. By making a few mindful choices, you can celebrate this holiday in a way that cares for Minnesota’s natural spaces and reduces waste. Here are some simple tips to make your Thanksgiving a more sustainable celebration: Plan Your Feast with… Read More →
Written by Andy Goldman-Gray, Executive Director of Upstream Guess what? 49% of Minnesotans will be disappointed with the election result this November. But we will all wake up the next morning and still be Minnesotans. In an election year, it’s easy to forget that we have a lot in common – and one obvious commonality… Read More →
Written by Monica Rojas, 2024 Upstream Care for Place Fellow My family of origin were not ‘outdoorsy’ people. The joke growing up was that the closest my parents ever got to camping was a Holiday Inn Express. My mother had done the outdoors as a child growing up in the suburban wonderland of Bloomington, Minnesota.… Read More →
Going Upstream is about being stewards of Minnesota’s shared natural places. Upstream Partner The Toro Company recently worked with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to support a critical update to their irrigation system, conserving water as a key way to care for one of Minnesota’s most treasured outdoor space. Keeping the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s 1,200 acres… Read More →
With cooler temperatures, autumn provides an excellent opportunity to engage in activities that support stewardship of our natural places. Here’s how you can get involved in local efforts this fall and make a meaningful impact in your community: 1. Join Local Conservation Groups Minnesota is home to a number of dedicated conservation organizations focused on… Read More →
