Celebrating Science, Sustainability & the People Making a Difference

What better way to celebrate Valley Climate Action Week than by bringing people together for an evening of science, music, recognition, and connection?

On Thursday, September 17, Sustainable Stillwater MN welcomed 150+ community members to Loft 214 for our Celebration of Science & Sustainability, an inspiring evening centered around the people, ideas, and local action shaping a more sustainable future.

The evening featured three powerful Minnesota voices in climate and environmental science — Dr. Heidi Roop, Paul Douglas, and Dr. Mark Seeley  — who shared their knowledge and perspectives with an audience eager to learn and connect. Their voices brought science to life while offering a sense of possibility and hope for what we can accomplish together.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Peter Mayer for live music, which added a special energy to the evening. The combination of science, storytelling, music, and community made the event feel less like a traditional formal gathering and more like a celebration of the work we can do together.

One of the most important parts of the evening was recognizing the local leaders who are helping make sustainability part of everyday life in the St. Croix Valley. The 2026 Sustainability Leadership Awards celebrated individuals (learn more here) making meaningful contributions to our environment, economy, and community, while the Sustainability Legacy Award honored Rick Heidick for his years of service and leadership with Sustainable Stillwater MN.

The event also gave SSMN an opportunity to share more about the work happening throughout the organization. From programs and community projects to partnerships and events, Valley Climate Action Week was a chance to showcase what can happen when people come together around local solutions.

The response throughout the evening was overwhelmingly positive, with guests enjoying the program, the music, and the opportunity to spend time together.

We’re also grateful to Loft 214 for being such a wonderful host and to everyone who helped spread the word. From social media and blog posts to posters, direct invitations, personal outreach, and community connections, so many people played a role in bringing the room together.

There are always lessons to carry forward. Next time, we can improve how we coordinate board assignments, track guest information and donations, and keep everyone working from the same planning tools. But the biggest takeaway is simple: this felt like the kind of event SSMN wants to create.

It was welcoming. It was mission-focused. It celebrated local leadership while making space for science, hope, and connection.

And after a very full week of Valley Climate Action Week, it gave us a chance to pause and celebrate what we accomplished together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Celebration of Science & Sustainability such a meaningful evening — and to everyone who continues to believe that positive change can start right here in the St. Croix Valley.

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