Rain gardens do more than brighten our neighborhoods; they help keep our lakes and rivers clean while providing essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Discover how you can identify native plants with free smartphone apps, learn who helps care for local rain gardens, and find out how to get involved as a volunteer.

Our Bird City Program recently attended Landscape Revival in Lake Elmo, where we connected with dozens of people from across Minnesota and Wisconsin about the power of native plants. By planting natives, we can support pollinators, provide food for birds, and create healthier ecosystems right in our own backyards.

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!

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

We reflect on a day of community-driven rain garden restoration, where volunteers in Stillwater united to nurture nature's green spaces.