2026 Trash Dash Season: Join Us in Caring for the Places We Love

Keeping our community clean is one of the simplest and most visible ways we can care for the place we call home.

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.

This year we’ll be hosting three Trash Dash events, each connected to an environmental moment during the year:

• Earth Day Trash Dash — April 22, 2026

• International Environment Day Trash Dash — June 5, 2026

• Climate Week Trash Dash — September 15, 2026

Each event invites community members to spend just one hour helping remove litter from public spaces in Stillwater. These events are free, family-friendly, and open to volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Why Picking Up Litter Matters

Litter doesn’t just affect how our parks and public spaces look—it has real environmental impacts.

Trash left on the ground can wash into storm drains and eventually make its way to local waterways like the St. Croix River, harming wildlife and polluting ecosystems. Plastics and other materials can take decades to break down, and small pieces are often mistaken for food by animals.

By removing litter before it spreads, volunteers help:

• Protect local wildlife

• Prevent pollution from reaching waterways

• Improve the health of public spaces

• Strengthen community pride and stewardship

Just as importantly, these events remind us that sustainability often begins with small, practical actions that anyone can take.

New Cleanup Equipment Thanks to Community Support

This year’s Trash Dash season also marks an exciting milestone for Sustainable Stillwater MN. Thanks to the generosity of community donors and supporters, we were able to purchase dedicated cleanup equipment specifically for these events. This includes litter pickup tools, safety vests, gloves, and reusable supplies that will allow us to host safe and effective cleanups for years to come.

This investment helps make Trash Dashes easier, safer, and more accessible for volunteers—and ensures that our organization can continue offering hands-on opportunities for people to care for local spaces.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible.

A Simple Way to Get Involved

Trash Dashes are intentionally designed to be short, welcoming, and impactful. Each event includes:

• A brief introduction and safety overview

• About 30-45 minutes of litter cleanup

• A chance to connect with neighbors and fellow volunteers

• A group photo celebrating the impact we made together

Whether you come on your own, bring your family, or invite a friend, your participation helps protect the places we all enjoy.