Stillwater, Minnesota, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich natural resources. The community’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through various initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing the local environment.
Bird City Program
The Bird City Program advances Stillwater’s commitment to protecting birds and the ecosystems they depend on through education, habitat stewardship, and community collaboration. Guided by best practices established by the Minnesota Audubon Society, the program focuses on engaging residents in bird conservation, restoring and enhancing habitat, and reducing human-caused threats to birds. These efforts reflect the understanding that healthy bird populations are a strong indicator of a healthy environment for people as well.
Land Stewardship Program
The Land Stewardship Program focuses on protecting land and water resources through community-led stewardship and practical conservation solutions. With an emphasis on stormwater management and watershed health, the program addresses pollution and runoff before they reach local waterways, helping to protect the St. Croix River and surrounding ecosystems.
GreenStep Cities Program
Stillwater has been designated a Minnesota GreenStep City since 2018, thanks in part to the efforts of the Sustainable Stillwater GreenStep team. The GreenStep program has guidelines to help cities achieve sustainability, resiliency, and a better quality of life for its citizens.
PFAS Mitigation Efforts
The City of Stillwater remains committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As part of this commitment, construction is well underway for a new PFAS treatment facility at Well #10. Since breaking ground in mid-September, progress includes new sanitary sewer manholes, raw water and finished water piping connections, and concrete footings for the new treatment building. The full project is expected to be substantially complete by May 1, 2026.
Community Engagement and Education
Community engagement is vital to the success of these environmental initiatives. Programs like the Adopt-A-Raingarden and Adopt-a-Drain encourage residents to take an active role in caring for their environment through hands-on action, education, and shared responsibility. By combining volunteer engagement with nature-based solutions, these programs strengthen local understanding of how land use, water quality, and climate resilience are deeply interconnected.
Through these concerted efforts, Stillwater continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that its natural resources are preserved and enhanced for future generations.