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 lifestyle for its 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.
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 adoption of the GreenStep Cities plan. Their mission focuses on supporting social, economic, and environmental resilience in Stillwater.
GreenStep Cities Program
Since 2018, Stillwater has been recognized as a Minnesota GreenStep City, thanks to the collaborative efforts of SSMN and city officials. The GreenStep program provides guidelines to help cities achieve sustainability through best practices in areas such as green building, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation. The GreenStep team continues to work closely with the city to implement these practices.
Energy Action Plan
In partnership 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.
Community Engagement and Education
Community events like the Valley Eco Fair, hosted by SSMN, provide opportunities for residents to learn about sustainability and participate in activities such as electric vehicle test drives. These events foster community engagement and promote environmental stewardship.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, encouraging residents to participate in creating a greener future for the community.