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 bird banding and wildlife monitoring. The ELC is open to the public for hiking, though dogs are not permitted to preserve the area’s integrity.
Sustainable Stillwater MN
Established in 2016, Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability within the community. SSMN has been instrumental in initiatives like the Green Business Directory, Safe Routes to School, and the city’s recognition as a Minnesota GreenStep City. These programs focus on environmental stewardship, economic responsibility, and community engagement.
Energy Action Plan
Stillwater’s Energy Action Plan aims to educate and inspire residents and businesses to engage in energy-saving practices. The plan sets a goal to save 3.8 million kWh of electricity and 198,000 therms of natural gas by the end of 2025, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and save the community approximately $450,000.
Bird City Program
In collaboration with the Minnesota Audubon Society, the Bird City Program focuses on protecting bird populations and their habitats. Efforts include community education, habitat restoration, and reducing threats to birds, reflecting the understanding that healthy bird populations indicate a healthy environment.
Natural Resources Management
SSMN’s Natural Resources workgroup emphasizes the importance of managing local plant, animal, and water resources. Seasonal best practices are encouraged, such as minimizing salt use in winter, clearing road gutters in spring, maintaining rain gardens in summer, and removing invasive species in autumn. These actions aim to preserve the natural environment and promote sustainability.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, fostering a healthier and more resilient community for future generations.