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Sustainable Stillwater MN Awarded Grant for New Youth Program
Sustainable Stillwater MN is honored to receive a grant from the Kay Clint Fund of United Way of Washington County-East to launch From Climate Anxiety to Action, a new youth program for the 2026–2027 school year. This six-session workshop series will empower local high school students to build resilience, discover their leadership strengths, and create meaningful climate action projects in their communities.
24 minutes ago1 min read


Help Shape the Future of Downtown Stillwater
Downtown Stillwater is set for a major reconstruction in the coming years, and MnDOT wants your input before planning begins. Sustainable Stillwater MN encourages everyone to take five minutes to complete the survey and help create a downtown that is safer, more accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
Jul 231 min read


Three Giant Earths, One Big Message 🌎🌎🌎
Three giant Earths, one unforgettable message! Relive Sustainable Stillwater MN's fun in the 2026 Lumberjack Days Parade and see how we brought smiles, sustainability, and excitement for Valley Climate Action Week to thousands of community members.
Jul 222 min read


Valley Osprey Nest Tour Takes Flight
A silent auction prize turned into an unforgettable adventure as Bird City Program Leader Allison McGinnis guided guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of local osprey nests. The experience inspired creativity, sparked meaningful conversations, and showcased the incredible birds that call the St. Croix Valley home.
Jul 91 min read


Celebrate America's 250th Birthday by Investing in Our Future
As America marks its 250th birthday, this reflection invites us to honor our shared history while looking ahead to the future we want to build together. At Sustainable Stillwater MN, every local action and every gift helps strengthen the St. Croix Valley for the next 250 years—starting right here at home.
Jul 32 min read


SSMN is Adopting Rain Gardens – You Can Too!
Rain gardens do more than brighten our neighborhoods; they help keep our lakes and rivers clean while providing essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Discover how you can identify native plants with free smartphone apps, learn who helps care for local rain gardens, and find out how to get involved as a volunteer.
Jun 303 min read


World Decarbonisation Day 2026 - SSMN Shows Up!
World Decarbonisation Day is a reminder that building a lower-carbon future starts with local action and community leadership. Discover how Sustainable Stillwater MN is helping shape climate-smart planning and transportation initiatives that will benefit the St. Croix Valley for generations to come.
Jun 253 min read


Birding by Boat Adventure Rewards Gala Winners
Lucky winners from Sustainable Stillwater MN's 2025 Gala silent auction took to the St. Croix River for a one-of-a-kind Birding by Boat adventure, spotting 24 bird species along the way. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous community support, the experience offered unforgettable views, meaningful conversations, and a deeper connection to local wildlife.
Jun 241 min read


Pride Month: Celebrating the Colors That Make Our Community Stronger 🌈
Pride Month is a reminder that strong, sustainable communities are built when everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to participate. At Sustainable Stillwater MN, we're proud to celebrate our commitment to inclusion and the LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors, volunteers, and partners who help make the St. Croix Valley a vibrant place to live.
Jun 181 min read


Wildfire Smoke Season Has Arrived: Be Ready for Changing Air Quality
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, meaning even communities with seemingly clear skies can experience unhealthy air quality. Learn how to use the Air Quality Index (AQI) and simple precautions to protect yourself and your family throughout smoke season.
Jun 163 min read


Nearly 200 Native Trees Planted at Lumberjack Landing
More than 30 volunteers came together at Lumberjack Landing Park on June 7 to plant nearly 200 native trees and shrubs, helping create critical habitat for birds and wildlife along the St. Croix River flyway. This community-powered restoration effort strengthens biodiversity, supports Stillwater's Bird City goals, and leaves a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.
Jun 102 min read


Sustainable Stillwater MN Awarded a Grant from the Andersen Foundation
Sustainable Stillwater MN has been awarded a grant from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation to support local sustainability initiatives and community engagement. This generous investment will help expand our impact throughout the St. Croix Valley as we continue building a healthier, more sustainable future together.
Jun 91 min read


Celebrating World Environment Day 2026 with a Trash Dash
Five volunteers celebrated World Environment Day by joining Sustainable Stillwater MN for a lunchtime Trash Dash, collecting 11 pounds of litter and two pints of cigarette butts in just one hour. From tiny candy wrapper scraps to a surprising fishing lure and a pair of socks, every item removed helped make our community a little cleaner and healthier.
Jun 81 min read


Young Riders Build Skills and Confidence at the SPD's Annual Bike Safety Rodeo
More than 60 young riders practiced important bicycle safety skills while building confidence and having fun at this year's Youth Bike Safety Rodeo. Thanks to a great collaboration between the Stillwater Police Department, the Stillwater Area High School Mountain Bike Team, volunteers, and Sustainable Stillwater MN, families enjoyed a day of learning, laughter, and two-wheeled adventure.
Jun 41 min read


Tiny Talons, Big Success: Bird City Volunteers Meet This Year's Peregrine Falcon Chicks
Three fluffy peregrine falcon chicks stole the show during this year's annual banding event at the Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights. Bird City volunteers got a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Minnesota's greatest conservation success stories—and plenty of adorable photo opportunities along the way.
Jun 32 min read


Hundreds of Students Roll Into School for Bike & Roll to School Day 2026
More than 300 students across all seven ISD834 elementary schools bundled up and biked or rolled to school for Bike & Roll to School Day 2026. Despite the chilly weather, the event was another huge success in promoting safe, active, and sustainable transportation for local kids.
May 201 min read


Welcome to the Board, Mary Hoff!
Sustainable Stillwater MN is excited to welcome Mary Hoff to the Board of Directors. With a background in environmental writing, climate solutions, habitat restoration, and local volunteer leadership, Mary brings both experience and passion to SSMN.
May 142 min read


Wild River Journey Connects Students to the St. Croix
Nearly 180 local 4th grade students explored the St. Croix River during this year’s Wild River Journey, where they learned bird identification, practiced using binoculars, and experienced local wildlife up close. Through SSMN’s Bird City partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, volunteers helped create a fun and memorable environmental education experience on the river.
May 132 min read


Help Shape Washington County’s Climate Action Plan - Take Survey
Washington County is asking residents to help shape the future of its Climate Action Plan. Sustainable Stillwater MN encourages community members to take the public survey and share their priorities for a more resilient future.
May 81 min read


Happy National Bike Month 2026!
Celebrate National Bike Month this May by hopping on your bike, joining local events, and trying something new with Bike Month Bingo. From quick rides to community connections, every mile makes a difference for your health and the planet.
May 12 min read
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