Building on What We've Grown Together: What's Next for Sustainable Stillwater MN?

Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN) has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the dedication, generosity, and involvement of people throughout the St. Croix Valley. What began as a community-driven effort has grown into an organization supporting local programs, projects, partnerships, and initiatives that make our region a more sustainable place to live.

As our organization has grown, so has the need for a structure that can support our expanding work. In recent years, SSMN has taken important steps toward becoming a more staff-led nonprofit, strengthening our organizational capacity and establishing a foundation for continued growth.

This evolution represents an important step forward for SSMN. With dedicated staff leading day-to-day operations and program development, our Board of Directors can focus on organizational governance, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability. Together, this structure will help us build stronger programs, expand partnerships, and create even more opportunities for local impact.

Now, we're looking for our next Executive Director!

SSMN is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader who is passionate about sustainability and community-driven solutions. This person will help guide our growing organization, support our staff and program/project leaders, strengthen community partnerships, and build on the work already underway throughout the St. Croix Valley.

Applications are due November 30, 2026.

Apply Here

---

As we look ahead…

We want to celebrate what our community has accomplished together in 2026. Every project, partnership, volunteer hour, and local connection adds another stitch to the bigger picture.

This year, our collective efforts helped make a difference across the St. Croix Valley:

• 200 native trees planted to support healthier habitats and a greener future.

• 125 bicycles collected to help get bikes into the hands of children who need them.

• 3 Trash Dashes hosted, bringing neighbors together to clean up the places we share.

• 100 people explored electric vehicles, experiencing EVs firsthand.

• 1,200 Valley Eco Fair participants and 40 partners came together to celebrate sustainability.

• More than 850 people participated in our inaugural Valley Climate Action Week, connecting through learning, collaboration, and action.

• 7 schools participated in Bike to School, encouraging healthier transportation habits.

• 15 local government meetings received SSMN support, helping advance local sustainability efforts.

• 150 local members are connected through our Green Business Directory.

• More than 1,000 volunteer hours helped bring our programs and projects to life.

And that's just part of the picture!

None of this happens without the people who believe in the value of local action. Whether you've volunteered your time, supported a project, attended an event, partnered with us, or made a financial contribution, you are part of what makes this work possible.

Thank you for being part of SSMN's story.

We have accomplished a lot together, and we're excited about what comes next. With a strong foundation, an expanding network of partners, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable St. Croix Valley, we're looking forward to building on this momentum in 2027 and beyond.