Stillwater, Minnesota, is actively pursuing sustainability through various community-driven environmental initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the city’s ecological health and promote a sustainable future 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. It serves as an outdoor classroom where students engage in activities like banding migratory birds and studying local wildlife. The ELC is open to the public for hiking, though dogs are not permitted.
Sustainable Stillwater MN
Established in 2016, Sustainable Stillwater MN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability within the community. The group has been instrumental in initiatives like the GreenStep Cities program, which provides guidelines for cities to achieve sustainability and resilience. Their efforts focus on areas such as green building, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation.
Energy Action Plan
In collaboration with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program, Stillwater developed an Energy Action Plan to help residents and businesses reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. The plan offers strategies to save energy, manage costs, and increase energy resilience while preserving the city’s historic character.
Water Quality and PFAS Monitoring
The City of Stillwater is committed to ensuring safe drinking water for its residents. The city regularly monitors for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water supply and provides information on potential health effects and mitigation efforts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about water quality and participate in community discussions on environmental health.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, fostering a healthier and more resilient community for future generations.