Upstream

Upstream is excited to announce that Danelle Hubert has joined the team as the Fergus Falls Community Coordinator. Danelle grew up in Fergus Falls and moved to Utah to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Brigham Young University, and then spent time in Arizona doing volunteer work before moving back home to Fergus Falls. She is a passionate individual who in addition to joining the team at Upstream, teaches dance classes several nights a week at Fergus Falls School of Dance, spends time with her family, and looks after her sweet puppy Ellie Faye. Danelle loves the town she grew up in, and enjoys every opportunity to give back to the community that helped raise her. Please join us in welcoming Danelle to the team!

"Just a few years into his career as a Department of Natural Resources forester, Bill Lockner got assigned to map a stretch of northern Minnesota for a timber sale in the Beltrami Island State Forest.?He decided to have a little fun with it. On a map of the area, he sketched the outline of Minnesota. Then using only a compass and hand tools — it was 1987, years before Google Earth and satellite mapping — Lockner calculated the angles and distances to transfer the state’s shape onto the landscape." Minnesota Public Radio

Loving where we live is made possible by ongoing stewardship initiatives across the state. Thanks to Upstream Partners like The Toro Company who ensure our natural places are maintained for future generations of Minnesotans to enjoy. ??

??? NEW EPISODE: Building Bridges Through Outdoor Storytelling in Minnesota We're excited to share our latest episode of "Explore Minnesota More" featuring Andy Goldman-Gray from Upstream Minnesota. Andy discusses an innovative project bringing Minnesotans together through shared stories of our outdoor spaces. The Upstream Story Trailer Project is transforming how we think about environmental stewardship. Imagine a mobile recording studio designed like a North Woods cabin traveling across Minnesota to capture diverse voices and experiences of our natural places. Key highlights: ?? How storytelling can bridge political and cultural divides ?? A unique approach to environmental conversation that focuses on connection rather than conflict ??? The power of bringing together voices from across the state. Whether you're passionate about Minnesota's outdoors, interested in innovative community engagement, or curious about how storytelling can drive positive change, this episode offers valuable insights into building consensus through shared experiences. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Explore Minnesota

It's Give to the Max Day! Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a generous gift from the Upstream Organizing Committee. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2 When you give to Upstream, you are: ?? Inspiring people to take new actions to be better stewards of our natural places ?? Building trust among people across racial, political, and geographic differences ?? Ensuring that in Minnesota, the outdoors are for everyone https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2

It's Give to the Max Day! Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a generous gift from the Upstream Organizing Committee. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2 When you give to Upstream, you are: ?? Inspiring people to take new actions to be better stewards of our natural places ?? Building trust among people across racial, political, and geographic differences ?? Ensuring that in Minnesota, the outdoors are for everyone https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2

“Or consider?Upstream, a nonprofit that recognizes that political debates around the environment highlight our differences, overlooking the many ways we align and the many ways people of all beliefs and backgrounds take action daily to care for our shared places. So Upstream is taking action to share these stories of common connection. They host backyard conversations in changing and divided communities. They shift the narrative on how we nurture our shared love of place and, in doing so, they cultivate trust and connection.” - Libby Stegger, The Minnesota Star Tribune

Today, my op-ed in the The Minnesota Star Tribune explores how we rebuild trust in a divided nation. The truth is, rebuilding trust happens through countless small acts of community building. From teens in Pelican Rapids creating gathering spaces, to veterans opening welcoming coffee shops in Madison, MN, to Move for America Fellows organizing block parties - these everyday bridge-builders show us the way forward. The path to rebuilding trust isn't quick or easy. But it's essential. And it starts with each of us getting involved where we live, especially in spaces where not everyone looks or thinks like us. #CommunityBuilding #Civics #Democracy #Minnesota #TrustBuilding Andy Goldman-Gray, Kris Shelstad, Staci Allmaras, Emily Fulcher, Matthew Simonson

Upstream brings people together to celebrate and amplify the many ways Minnesotans of all backgrounds love and value our place.??? When you give to Upstream, you are: ?? Inspiring people to take new actions to be better stewards of our natural places ?? Building trust among people across racial, political, and geographic differences ?? Ensuring that in Minnesota, the outdoors are for everyone Give today: https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2

For Give to the Max Day this year we're excited to raise support for Minnesota's natural places and the individuals caring for our beautiful state. By supporting Upstream, you’ll be helping build a stronger Minnesota through initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, and community connection. Why Give to Upstream on Give to the Max Day? ?? Amplify Your Impact: Your contributions support local stewardship efforts across Minnesota, encouraging citizens to care for our beautiful state. ?? Promote Unity: Help bridge divides by investing in community-building efforts that unite Minnesotans around our shared value of loving and caring for where we live. ?? Join us in this mission to see the best in our state and take steps toward a more connected Minnesota! ?? Make an impact today: https://lnkd.in/g58NpsN2 #GTMD #Giving #GiveMN