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 lives, a town of 80 people. This was a person who loves where he lives, who is committed to seeing the people and the place thrive. He is so devoted, in fact, that he became the city administrator (along with about a dozen other necessary jobs). People in smaller communities tend to wear a lot of hats.

I’ve always loved small towns and rural areas. Many of my family members are (or were) farmers in southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa. I spent a lot of time on those farms growing up. Though the nearest neighbor was many acres away, there was still a close community built around a shared love for the soil, the animals, and the natural places around us. The nearby towns were always places of connection, where people congregated and shared stories of love and grief and wonder and everything in between. There is a narrative of loss and decline across small-town America. But there is also a story of flourishing and deep love of place. Throughout rural areas in Minnesota, there are folks who are committed to caring for their communities and the land that surrounds them – whether it be farmland, hunting grounds, or state parks – I witnessed this on my visit to Fergus Falls. This is something to take note of, and it’s something to celebrate.

I am inspired by these stewards of Minnesota’s natural places and am grateful for the incredible people I met this week in West Central Minnesota who care so deeply for their communities. Most of all, I’m excited to continue learning from and growing with them as Upstream’s executive director.

Who have you been inspired by recently? What do they do that inspires you?

What’s Your Upstream Story?

We share stories of stewardship written by and about Minnesotans like you! Share your story here.