Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival 2026

Join us for the Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival, a free, family-friendly event celebrating the incredible birds, waterways, and natural habitats that make the St. Croix Valley such a special place to live. Hosted by the Browns Creek Watershed District in partnership with Bird City / Sustainable Stillwater MN, this interactive event invites people of all ages to explore, learn, and connect with nature through engaging exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

What to Expect

Get ready for a morning filled with discovery, creativity, and fun for all ages!

• 🦅 Meet Live Raptors – Experience an unforgettable up-close encounter with birds of prey presented by expert wildlife educators.

• 🌿 Explore Nature Exhibits – Visit interactive displays and learn about local birds, habitats, pollinators, watersheds, and conservation efforts.

• 🤝 Connect with Local Organizations – Meet community groups, environmental nonprofits, and green businesses working to protect and enhance the St. Croix Valley.

• 🎨 Bird Costume Contest – Dress as your favorite bird and show off your creativity! Costumes of all skill levels are welcome, from simple DIY outfits to elaborate feathered creations.

• 💡 Bird-Friendly Living Tips – Discover practical ways to make your home and neighborhood safer for birds, including reducing window collisions, minimizing light pollution, restoring habitat, and more.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Hands-On Family Activities – Enjoy crafts, games, and interactive experiences designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Bird Costume Contest

Spread your wings and join the fun in our Bird Costume Contest! Participants of all ages are invited to dress as their favorite wild bird species—from majestic eagles and colorful warblers to clever crows and elegant herons. Whether you create your own costume or purchase one, everyone is welcome to participate. The goal is to celebrate the amazing diversity of wild birds while having fun and showing your creativity.

Contest Details

• 🐦 Open to all ages

• 👧 Kids Category

• 🧑 Adult Category

• 🏆 Prizes will be awarded in each category

• ⏰ Judging begins at 12:00 PM

Need Costume Ideas?

Planning to enter the Bird Costume Contest but not sure where to start? Visit our Bird Costume Inspiration Gallery to browse dozens of "Steal the Look" ideas inspired by the colors, patterns, and personalities of birds found around the world.

Interested in volunteering at this event?

New in 2026, the festival serves as the grand finale of Sustainable Stillwater MN's inaugural Valley Climate Action Week. Held on Bird City Day, this celebration showcases how caring for birds, clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities are all connected. It's an opportunity to celebrate the environmental leadership found throughout the St. Croix Valley while discovering practical actions everyone can take to make a difference.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and spend the morning celebrating the wildlife and natural places that inspire our community. Together, we can help create a healthier future for birds, people, and the watershed we all share.