At our July 16th Plant a Seed Meet-Up, we explored how two local businesses—Establish Salon and Lake Elmo Inn—are leading the way in sustainability through clean products, creative composting, and community connection. From stylish recycling bins to bootlegging tales and Reuben Truffles, it was an evening full of inspiration and impact!

Sustainable Stillwater MN joined community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony for Lakeview Hospital’s new sustainable complex—a powerful example of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration in action.

Last week, the organizations collected submissions of original artwork in painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Art Connects Community is more than an art show—it's a call to connect, imagine, and build a stronger future together. The show will open on August 1, with installation happening in downtown businesses July 28-31.

Kelsey Depew has been a guiding force behind Sustainable Stillwater MN since 2018—transforming our communications, building digital systems, and bringing our mission to life with clarity and heart. As she steps fully into her staff role, we honor the legacy she’s helped create.

We’re excited to support Trinity Lutheran Church in their efforts to install four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its south parking lot, becoming the first public EV chargers near downtown Stillwater. This project is not just about infrastructure—it’s a powerful example of community-led climate action.

This past Saturday, Leslie Frick repped the SSMN Green Business Directory at the Farmers Market — and helped spread the word about Washington County’s Food Scraps Pickup Program! It’s an easy way to reduce waste and help our planet.

On May 10, 2025, local families gathered at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Fieldhouse for a fun and educational day at the annual Bike Rodeo for Kids — a free event focused on essential riding skills and safety practices for young, beginner bicyclists. Co-organized by Brad Junker of the Stillwater Police Department and Rick Heidick of Sustainable Stillwater MN, the event brought together a dedicated team of volunteers from both organizations, along with help from the

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Mark Schwantes for his dedication and care in helping keep downtown Stillwater beautiful and litter-free. For years, Mark volunteered his time and energy to empty the cigarette butt containers and clean up litter around them—ensuring sidewalks, streets, and storm drains stayed clear of toxic debris that could otherwise end up in our beloved St. Croix River.

At the May 6, 2025 City Council Workshop, Sustainable Stillwater MN Board Member and Energy Action Team Lead Roger Tomten delivered a powerful presentation on a transformative idea for Stillwater’s future: walkability. SSMN donated twelve copies of Walkable City Rules—Jeff Speck’s practical companion guide—to the City for use by council members, staff, and commissions. These books contain specific, actionable recommendations that could be tailored to Stillwater’s unique needs

On Wednesday, May 7, all seven elementary schools in Stillwater Area School District ISD 834 participated in Bike to School Day 2025, making this year’s event a district-wide success! With over 500 students biking, scootering, or walking to school, the event marked a milestone in active transportation for Stillwater’s youngest residents.

Young women are leading the climate vote—but where are the young men? A new report from the Environmental Voter Project reveals a striking gender gap in climate activism and voting. Sustainable Stillwater MN explores why this matters and highlights two upcoming opportunities for youth to get involved: the Washington Co. Climate Action Plan vote on May 13 and the 4-H Climate Career Panel on May 16. The time to engage is now.

This week, we're joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and organizations across the country to observe Air Quality Awareness Week — a time to highlight the importance of clean air and share practical ways to stay healthy when the air isn’t.

At the 2025 World Economy Summit, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy had a chance to support safer, cleaner, and more equitable transportation infrastructure. Instead, he grumbled about “bikes” like they were an inconvenience — not a vital, growing part of a healthy transportation system.

On a gorgeous spring day with a cool breeze and clear blue skies, almost 500 community members gathered at Pioneer Park in Stillwater, MN for the 3rd Annual Valley Eco Fair — and what a celebration it was!

This year’s Earth Week Bike Drive at HealthPartners Clinic – Stillwater was an absolute blast—and a resounding success! Hosted in partnership with Lakeview Hospital / HealthPartners and our amazing Sustainable Stillwater MN crew, we collected a whopping 133 bicycles on April 22!

Your dedication to protecting the environment, supporting our neighbors, and fostering a resilient local economy is what fuels our mission. In honor of Earth Day, we want to share a few simple but powerful tips inspired by NPR that you can put into action right now to help build a more sustainable future.

Celebrating local species, local artists, and the local heroes protecting them.

What happens when you dive into the flavors of the past, exploring the native ingredients that sustained people long before grocery stores?

Erin brings a wealth of leadership experience, a passion for service, and a deep commitment to sustainability to SSMN.

River Market has partnered with Washington County’s Food Scraps Pickup Program to make composting easier than ever.