Take your shot this Earth Month and help our community score big for sustainability. During our March Matchness: Give Local campaign, every donation helps power local climate action—and with employer matching gifts, your impact could be a slam dunk.

In 2026, Sustainable Stillwater MN is excited to host a new season of Trash Dash events—short, one-hour community cleanups designed to make a real difference while bringing neighbors together around a shared purpose: stewardship of our land and waterways. Sign up today to volunteer!

Events like the Valley Eco Fair don’t happen without the help of dedicated volunteers—and we’d love for you to be part of the day. There are many ways to help, and we welcome volunteers of all ages, interests, and experience levels.

Celebrate spring migration with a guided birding tour around Long Lake. Join Bird City Stillwater and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District to spot water birds and learn about the lake’s ecosystem.

Earth Month is our spring fundraiser that powers the Valley Eco Fair and supports sustainability initiatives across our community. Sponsor, donate, or volunteer this March and help us build a healthier, more resilient Stillwater together.

Sustainable Stillwater MN brought the Climate Experience to DaVinci Fest 2026, engaging students and families with hands-on climate education, art, and science. From sustainable transportation to watershed stewardship, the day showcased the power of community connection—even in the coldest weather.

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.

This year’s Mission: Possible Gala awards are a true reflection of sustainability and artistry, crafted by Justin Depew from a 60-year-old repurposed fir stud and hand-painted by Kelsey Depew. Together, they’ve created meaningful symbols of renewal that capture the beauty of the northern lights and the spirit of our shared mission for a sustainable future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Help us make Mission: Possible – An Evening of Climate Action, our biggest fundraiser of the year, an unforgettable success! On Thursday, October 30th, we’ll gather at the beautiful JX Center in Stillwater for a night of inspiration, community, and commitment to a greener future. But to pull off this incredible evening, we need your help.

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.

Do you know someone turning environmental commitment into real-world impact? A local business, educator, nonprofit, or everyday citizen making a difference? It’s time to recognize their efforts. We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Sustainability Leadership Award, to be presented at our Mission: Possible gala on October 30, 2025. Deadline to nominate: August 31, 2025

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!