Stillwater, Minnesota, is actively pursuing sustainability through various community-driven environmental initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the city’s resilience and promote 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 ecosystems 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.
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. PFAS are man-made chemicals found in various consumer products and can pose health risks. The city provides updates and information on PFAS levels and mitigation efforts to keep the community informed.
Community Engagement and Education
Programs like the Naturalist-in-Residence at the Stillwater Public Library offer residents opportunities to learn about local ecosystems and environmental stewardship. These programs, led by experienced naturalists, cover topics such as stream biology, prairie ecology, and bird identification, fostering a deeper connection between the community and the natural world.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring a vibrant and healthy community for future generations.