Celebrating VCAW at Stillwater City Hall

Valley Climate Action Week may have wrapped up more than a week ago, but we're still basking in the glow of an incredible week of connection, learning, and action across the St. Croix Valley.

One of those special moments happened on Tuesday, September 15, when the City of Stillwater officially recognized Valley Climate Action Week with a special proclamation at Stillwater City Hall.

Mayor Ted Kozlowski and SSMN Executive Director Andi Arnold

About 50 community members gathered for the occasion, giving Sustainable Stillwater MN an opportunity to celebrate VCAW with local leaders and residents while sharing more about the importance of taking action right here at home.

As part of the celebration, Sustainable Stillwater MN presented the City of Stillwater with a tree—a small but meaningful symbol of the choices we make today and the future we are creating for generations to come.

The tree came with a fitting proverb:

“A society grows great when people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

That idea captured so much of what Valley Climate Action Week was all about. Creating a more sustainable future isn't just about what we can see or benefit from today. It's about making thoughtful choices, investing in our community, and taking action that will benefit people and places far into the future.

The proclamation was also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and expand awareness of Sustainable Stillwater MN's work throughout the valley. We're grateful to the City of Stillwater for recognizing VCAW and for the continued support of local leaders who help amplify sustainability efforts and connect more people with opportunities to get involved.

And while VCAW may be behind us, the momentum doesn't have to be.

The choices we make today help shape the valley we'll leave behind tomorrow. It starts right here.

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