Make your holidays greener and more meaningful by choosing gifts that create memories, reduce waste, and truly support the people you love. From experience-based presents to consumables and eco-friendly alternatives, these ideas help you give with intention — and with the planet in mind.

The new SSMN Clean Energy Challenge makes it easy for St. Croix Valley residents to save energy, cut carbon, and work together for a cleaner, greener future. Visit www.ssmn-cec.org to get started!

This Give to the Max Day, help Sustainable Stillwater MN power clean transportation in our community. Your donation supports local EV education, new charging stations, and partnerships that drive a healthier, more sustainable future — because it starts right here.

Our Mission: Possible Gala 2025 was a sold-out success, bringing together over 235 guests for an unforgettable night of connection, community, and hope. Thanks to your support, we’ve raised nearly $50,000 to help build a more sustainable, resilient St. Croix Valley.

For nearly 30 years, Del Peterson has helped lead the effort to restore and protect Stillwater’s beloved Lily Lake. His steady dedication helped remove the lake from Minnesota’s impaired waters list — a true community success story.

As founder of Next Bend Birding, Kyle Te Poel proves that a small business can have a big impact. From carbon-neutral operations to community giving, Kyle’s work shows how sustainability and passion for nature go hand in hand.

At Zvago Stillwater, Jean Johnson has led her community in transforming sustainable living from concept to reality. Through her leadership and everyday example, she’s inspired residents to recycle more, waste less, and live with intention.

Jasper Moon, winner of the Art Connects Community People’s Choice Award, shares his artistic journey from childhood crafts to professional fiber art. His piece Reunited, inspired by themes of homecoming and community, will be available for bidding in SSMN’s Mission: Possible gala auction starting October 23rd.

Stillwater is planning the next 20 years of park improvements—and your input can help make them more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Take the City’s short Park Survey and share your ideas for greener, more connected parks before November 7th!

Three extraordinary local leaders are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact in the St. Croix Valley. Join us at Sustainable Stillwater MN’s Mission: Possible Gala to celebrate their inspiring achievements and the power of collective action for a greener future.

Across the country, communities are seeing conversations about rising electricity rates as part of a much bigger energy story. These changes are tied to the push for cleaner power, stronger grids, and meeting the growing demand of our modern world.

Nearly 200 people joined us for the Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival, enjoying raptor demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a lively bird costume contest. Together, we celebrated our feathered neighbors while learning how to make Stillwater a bird-friendly and climate-resilient community.

he votes are in! Reunited by Stillwater textile artist Jasper Moon is the winner of our Art Connects Community People’s Choice Award—a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.

A team of six passionate volunteers swooped in on July 30 to rescue seven rain gardens along Wilkins Street after overzealous maintenance left them weedy and sparse. Led by Sustainable Stillwater MN’s Ruth Alliband, the group cleared four gardens in just 2.5 hours, with follow-up work finishing the job. Next up: replanting with native species to restore these vital pollinator habitats!

On August 7th, Leslie Frick and Andi Arnold took part in the Reuse Minnesota meeting, visiting innovative local businesses like PCs for People Recycling Center and Grahn’s Upholstery. The day concluded with networking and discussions at the sustainable event space PAIKKA. Reflecting on the experience, Andi said, “Connecting with passionate leaders shows that collaboration drives real environmental impact.”

This past Sunday, August 10, Trinity Lutheran Church teamed up with Sustainable Stillwater MN and Trinity Earth Keepers for our special Eco-Sunday: EV + Hybrid Car Showcase. Trinity continues to raise funds towards the installation of the first EV charger in downtown Stillwater in their parking lot for residents and visitors to use. 

On August 10th, over 600 cyclists gathered in Stillwater for the Bridge the Valley Bike Rally, enjoying scenic routes through the St. Croix Valley. Sustainable Stillwater MN celebrated the city’s commitment to being a Bike Friendly City and connected with riders at our booth to share safety tips and sustainability initiatives. It was a day of community, cycling, and environmental pride.

Sustainable Stillwater MN is proud to announce two new grant awards totaling $45,000 to support our mission in the St. Croix Valley. With funding from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation and the St. Croix Valley Foundation, we’re expanding our impact and driving real environmental change in our community.

Twelve local artists, from ages six and up, responded to the call to explore our connection with nature and each other through Art Connects Community. Their powerful works—ranging from paintings to photography—are now on display across Stillwater and online, inviting the public to engage, reflect, and vote for the People’s Choice Award.

At Night to Unite 2025, Sustainable Stillwater MN connected with residents of all ages to share simple, meaningful ways to protect our environment. From solar panels to milkweed seeds, neighbors showed how small steps can lead to big change.