Compeer Financial, with a large Minnesota workforce, helps farmers, ranchers and growers with financial services and products across the midwest. They help farmers, large and small, achieve their goals through lending programs. They care for our places by helping farmers to make the transition to sustainable agriculture. Compeer works with traditional agriculture, but also serves… Read More →
Written by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Upstream Executive Director I was in Fergus Falls this past week for some meetings after the big snowstorm that blew across much of Minnesota. One person I met with spoke passionately about his love of small towns in rural Minnesota. He talked about his home outside of Fergus Falls, where he… 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 →
Loving where you live isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. In Minnesota, we know it’s about commitment to our neighbors, our natural places, and the future we’re shaping together. This place asks a lot of us. It gives a lot back, too. Here are 28 reasons Minnesota continues to be worth loving, caring for, and… Read More →
Early giving opens November 1! Join us anytime from November 1–21 by giving to Upstream this giving season and help show that stewardship creates unity. What do a child skipping rocks in Duluth, a farmer in Fergus Falls, and a family hiking in the Twin Cities have in common? A love for Minnesota’s natural places.… Read More →
Every corner of Minnesota has its own story to tell, whether it’s a quiet lake, a neighborhood park, or a local trail. Loving your local place doesn’t require big gestures; small, intentional actions can make a lasting difference for your community and the natural spaces we all cherish. Here are seven ways to care for… Read More →
Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Minneapolis and Saint Paul or escaping to the lakes and prairies of Greater Minnesota, there’s no shortage of things to do in Minnesota in the summer. From hiking and biking to farmers markets and festivals, summer is when the Land of 10,000 Lakes truly shines. Let’s explore how… Read More →
Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Minneapolis and Saint Paul or escaping to the lakes and prairies of Greater Minnesota, there’s no shortage of things to do in Minnesota in the summer. From hiking and biking to farmers markets and festivals, summer is when the Land of 10,000 Lakes truly shines. Let’s explore how… 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 →
April is Earth Month—a time to celebrate Minnesota’s natural beauty, take action for our natural places, and connect with others who care about stewardship. Whether you’re looking for a community event, a solo outdoor challenge, or a long-term commitment to caring and sustainability, there are plenty of ways to get involved. At Upstream, we believe… Read More →
Minnesota’s food scene is rich with locally sourced ingredients, innovative chefs, and restaurants committed to caring for what goes on your plate. Choosing where to eat isn’t just about great flavors—it’s also an opportunity to support businesses that care for the land, minimize waste, and strengthen local communities. By dining at sustainable restaurants, you’re making… Read More →
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 →
