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.

The Mission: Possible Gala Silent Auction is now live! Bid online for unique local items, experiences, and treasures to support Sustainable Stillwater MN — the auction closes at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th.

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.

Nearly 75 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new John B. Goodman Trail at The Lakes Senior Living Community. This beautiful, accessible trail invites everyone to experience Stillwater’s natural beauty while learning about local birds, wetlands, and history.

We’re thrilled to welcome Hullabaloo to the Greater Stillwater Area Green Business Directory! This joyful play and party space for kids champions sustainability through secondhand shopping, creative reuse, and a soon-to-launch community toy library.

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!

Stillwater celebrated National Public Lands Day with 35 dedicated volunteers who cleared 4.5 acres of invasive buckthorn from the “Golden Woods” near Brown’s Creek Trail. Thanks to their hard work—and a long-term restoration plan—this cherished woodland is on its way to thriving again with native plants and renewed biodiversity.

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.

Does swapping your light bulbs for LEDs or skipping a burger really make a dent in climate change? The surprising truth is that one person’s choices matter more than you think—but not in the way you might expect.

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.

Our September 16th Plant A Seed event was a warm rooftop gathering at The Miller with stunning river views, community connection, and a guided wine tasting. Thanks to Ashley Hausman of So What Wine, we learned how sustainable wine practices—from organic farming to lighter glass bottles—make a difference for people and the planet.

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.

Our Setlist Events, a new member of the Green Business Directory, transforms live music into interactive, community-driven experiences while keeping sustainability at its core. Guests vote on songs, enjoy personalized performances, and support a business that prioritizes eco-friendly, low-impact operations.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from Dr. Jonathan Foley, a global climate leader shaping our future and empowering communities to take action. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Mission: Possible – An Evening of Climate Action—reserve your tickets or table today and support local solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.

Celebrate fall with Sustainable Stillwater MN at September Plant A Seed! Learn how to choose wines that are good for your body and the planet while connecting with local business leaders — RSVP by September 9th!

Join us in creating a greener future! Donate an experience, gift certificate, or sustainable item to Sustainable Stillwater MN’s Gala Auctions and help support local initiatives for a healthier, more resilient St. Croix Valley.

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!