Stillwater, Minnesota, is making significant strides in environmental sustainability through various community-driven initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the city’s resilience, promote sustainable practices, and foster a healthier environment for all residents.
Environmental Learning Center at Stillwater Area High School
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a 55-acre area behind Stillwater Area High School, featuring diverse biomes such as oak forests, prairies, and coniferous plantings. This space serves as an outdoor classroom where students engage in activities like bird banding, small mammal trapping, and wildlife photography. The ELC is open to the public for hiking, though dogs are not permitted to preserve the area’s ecological integrity.
Sustainable Stillwater MN: A Community Effort
Established in 2013, Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social, economic, and environmental resilience in the community. SSMN has been instrumental in initiatives like the GreenStep Cities program, which provides guidelines for cities to achieve sustainability and improve residents’ quality of life. The organization also focuses on natural resource conservation, encouraging practices such as minimal use of deicing salts in winter, clearing road gutters in spring, and maintaining rain gardens in summer.
Energy Action Plan
In March 2023, Stillwater joined Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program to develop an Energy Action Plan. This plan offers residents and businesses strategies to save energy, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions. Community members are encouraged to participate in local events and initiatives focused on energy education and climate solutions.
Water Quality and Safety
The City of Stillwater is committed to providing safe drinking water to its residents. The city’s water utility serves approximately 20,600 people, sourcing water from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan and Jordan aquifers. Regular testing and treatment ensure compliance with health standards, maintaining the quality and safety of the water supply.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, fostering a community that values and actively participates in preserving its natural resources.