Karla Patrick receives Unsung Caretaker Award

Upstream’s Unsung Caretaker Award celebrates Minnesotans who go the extra mile to care for our shared natural places

Cambridge, Minn. – Oct. 18, 2023 – Cambridge resident Karla Patrick received an inaugural Unsung Caretaker Award from Upstream, a new statewide initiative celebrating Minnesota’s natural places and the people who care for them. The award program honors 10 people, three organizations and one community across the state for their ongoing dedication to caring for their natural places.

A leader on Cambridge Medical Center’s Wellness Leadership Team, Patrick manages the Cambridge Medical Center Giving Garden. This 4-foot-by-10-foot plot of land has created nearly 700 pounds of fresh, local produce since it began eight years ago. Patrick organizes the garden, connecting its growers with support from local master gardeners as well as managing funding through partnerships.

“We’re delighted to award these outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to their community and our state,” said Andy Goldman-Gray, initiative director of Upstream. “We are stronger stewards of Minnesota when we share this unique value of caring for our natural places. We are grateful to these honorees for inspiring others to care for this place we share and love.”

Upstream is founded on the belief that Minnesotans can rise above their differences to focus on caring for the places they love. The culture campaign is a celebration of Minnesota’s natural places and the people who care for them. To inspire action in ways both large and small, Upstream shares stories of how people and organizations care for our shared spaces to inspire others to be better stewards of Minnesota’s unique and beautiful natural places.

Patrick was recognized at Upstream’s inaugural awards dinner with other winners from across the state on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at The Trailhead at the Loppet Foundation in Minneapolis. As part of the award, winners will receive $250 to use for their volunteer efforts.

About Upstream
Upstream is an independently operated initiative working to celebrate Minnesota’s natural places and the people who care for them. Upstream aims to change the way people think about caring for Minnesota’s places and natural resources by building greater trust, connection and stewardship. The initiative is overseen by an organizing committee of 11 Minnesota leaders from different geographic, political and racial backgrounds. For more information, visit mnupstream.org.

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