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 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 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social, economic, and environmental resilience. The group has been instrumental in initiatives like the GreenStep Cities program, which provides guidelines for cities to achieve sustainability and improve residents’ quality of life. 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 emphasizes education and community engagement to achieve energy savings and enhance energy resilience.
Water Quality and PFAS Monitoring
The City of Stillwater is committed to ensuring safe drinking water by monitoring for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Regular testing and adherence to health-based guidance values help protect public health and maintain water quality.
Through these initiatives, Stillwater demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, fostering a community that values and protects its natural resources.