Sustainable Stillwater MN is building on years of community-driven work as we look ahead to our next chapter. Celebrate our 2026 accomplishments and learn about our search for a new Executive Director to help lead our growing organization!

Sixteen community members got an inside look at the Recycling & Energy Center in Newport, where robots, high-tech equipment, and a little trash talk are helping turn waste into valuable resources. Read about what we learned, why food scrap recovery matters, and how small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste!

Meet Winnow & Spruce Organizing, our newest Green Business Directory member, helping individuals and families create functional homes through thoughtful decluttering and downsizing. Owner Valerie Cady puts sustainability into action by keeping usable items in circulation, reducing unnecessary purchases, and teaching clients how to make responsible choices about the belongings they no longer need.

Andi Arnold reflects on a season of remarkable growth, meaningful partnerships, and lasting progress during her time as Executive Director of Sustainable Stillwater MN. As she prepares for her next chapter, she shares her gratitude for the people who made this work possible and her confidence in the future of sustainability across the St. Croix Valley.

September was full of reasons to celebrate, and it’s all thanks to you! From our Instagram following growing to 3 times that of similar pages to our newsletter reaching nearly double the nonprofit average open rate, your clicks, shares, and visits are helping sustainability reach more people right here in the St. Croix Valley.

Valley Climate Action Week brought approximately 850 people together for a dozen free events, and a month later, we're still feeling grateful for everyone who made it possible. From inspiring speakers and community partners to the dedicated SSMN team, thank you for sharing your time, talents, and enthusiasm to make our first-ever week such a success.

Washington County is asking residents to review its Draft Climate Action Plan and share feedback by November 15, 2026. Take a few minutes to explore the proposed strategies and help shape a more sustainable, resilient future for our communities.

Stillwater is beginning the visioning process for its 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and what residents share now can help shape the city’s future. Take the survey, add your ideas to the interactive map, and help make sustainability part of the conversation about where Stillwater is headed.

Still basking in the glow of Valley Climate Action Week, we’re looking back at the City of Stillwater’s VCAW proclamation and a meaningful tree planting at City Hall. 🌳 The tree serves as a reminder that the choices we make today can help shape a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

EcoQuest Game Night brought 11 community members together to explore environmental challenges, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems through games like Radioactive Bees, Ecosystem, and Oil Spill.

Your Voice, Your Valley brought 14 community members together for a fun, nonpartisan civic engagement and voter education happy hour during Valley Climate Action Week. With trivia, conversation, food, and a welcoming space at Lift Bridge Coworking, participants learned together and helped create a workshop format SSMN can build on in the future.

Rainy weather didn’t stop 35 people from gathering at the Stillwater Public Library to hear Dr. Jon Foley share an optimistic look at climate change, solutions, and what’s possible. With a lively Q&A and plenty of thoughtful conversation, We Can Do It left attendees feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful.

The Community Watershed & Bird Festival brought families, volunteers, and partner organizations together at Browns Creek Park to celebrate birds, water, and the natural world. Despite rainy weather, the festival drew a strong crowd, sparked conversations about bird conservation and glass collisions, and continued to grow a network of organizations working together for a healthier St. Croix Valley.

Sustainable Stillwater MN welcomed 150+ community members to Loft 214 for the Celebration of Science & Sustainability, an inspiring evening featuring Minnesota climate voices Dr. Heidi Roop, Dr. Mark Seeley, Paul Douglas, live music by Peter Mayer, and recognition of local sustainability leaders. The evening brought science, hope, music, and community together while celebrating the people and partnerships helping create a more sustainable St. Croix Valley.

Community members gathered at Matt’s Basement during Valley Climate Action Week to explore how personal stories can build understanding, inspire hope, and strengthen our connection to the environment. Led by Jothsna Harris and Arian Tomar, the evening sparked meaningful conversation, new connections, and a powerful reminder that stories can be a catalyst for action.

Six riders joined Sustainable Stillwater MN for Pedal for the Planet during Valley Climate Action Week, exploring how active transportation can be good for our health, our community, and the environment. With help from Herman’s Bike Rental and some electric bikes, the ride offered a fun reminder that getting around town can be part of the adventure.

Forty community members joined SSMN and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District for a fun night of climate trivia at Lift Bridge Brewing Co. during Valley Climate Action Week. With friendly competition, climate-themed prizes, and plenty of laughs, the evening showed that learning about sustainability can be both meaningful and fun.

SSMN volunteers took their Valley Climate Action Week Trash Dash to the streets around Oak Park Heights, finding plenty of litter in areas near local businesses and parking lots. Six volunteers spent an hour cleaning up the area, proving that even a quick cleanup can make an immediate difference.

During Valley Climate Action Week, SSMN explored a local rain garden at Washington Square Park, giving attendees a closer look at sustainable stormwater management in action. Although the lunchtime gathering was small, it created a valuable opportunity to learn, strengthen partnerships, and think about new ways to bring rain garden education to more people.

Despite a cold and rainy evening, 55 community members gathered in Woodbury for C-Change Conversations, a science-based, nonpartisan discussion about climate change and its impacts on our communities, economy, health, and future. The event strengthened regional partnerships and showed the value of creating welcoming spaces for learning, dialogue, and meaningful action.