Friday’s Valley Climate Action Week events show how people power lasting change, from science-based climate solutions and civic engagement to family-friendly learning around the game table. Join us for Community Leadership Day and find your own way to connect, participate, and make a difference.

Meet the four inspiring local leaders receiving Sustainable Stillwater MN’s 2026 Sustainability Leadership Awards! From restoring local ecosystems and advancing climate action to educating young people and giving bridalwear a second life, these leaders are showing what meaningful sustainability looks like in the St. Croix Valley.

Sustainable Stillwater MN took sustainability beyond Stillwater and onto the Minnesota State Fair as part of the 20th Eco Experience hosted by Reuse Minnesota. With our upcycled fabric-scrap utensil holders, we shared a simple, practical way to reduce single-use waste while connecting with fairgoers and fellow sustainability organizations.

On August 18, Sustainable Stillwater MN and GreenBiz Recycling took a behind-the-scenes look at CHS Field, exploring how the St. Paul Saints’ home combines sustainable design with innovative water, energy and waste-reduction practices. From a 27,000-gallon rainwater cistern to solar energy and stormwater filtration, the tour showed how sustainability can be built into a major sports venue from the ground up.

Sustainable Stillwater MN is not holding a fall gala this year—and the decision reflects our commitment to accessibility, mission, and responsible stewardship. Instead, we’re focusing our time, energy, and donor support on programs and opportunities that create greater impact and welcome more people into the work.

Show your SSMN pride with our new swag shop, featuring more responsibly made apparel produced on demand to help reduce waste. Choose your favorite design, style, color, and size, and wear your support for a healthier, more sustainable community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.