Stillwater, Minnesota, is making significant strides in environmental sustainability through various community-driven initiatives. These efforts aim to preserve the city’s natural beauty 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. This space serves as an outdoor classroom where students engage in activities like bird banding, small mammal tracking, and wildlife photography, fostering a deep connection with nature.
Sustainable Stillwater MN’s Natural Resources Program
Sustainable Stillwater MN focuses on understanding and maintaining the quality and diversity of local natural resources. Volunteers participate in seasonal projects, including clearing road gutters in spring to prevent debris from entering storm drains and using minimal salt for deicing in winter to protect water quality.
Bird City Program
The Bird City Program advances Stillwater’s commitment to protecting birds and their habitats through education, habitat stewardship, and community collaboration. By aligning with best practices from the Minnesota Audubon Society, the program engages residents in bird conservation and enhances local biodiversity.
Energy Action Plan
Stillwater’s Energy Action Plan aims to educate and inspire residents and businesses to engage in energy-saving actions. The plan sets a community-wide goal to save 3.8 million kWh of electricity and 198,000 therms of natural gas by the end of 2025, reducing emissions and increasing energy resiliency.
Addressing PFAS in Drinking Water
The city is proactively addressing the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its drinking water. Efforts include constructing a new treatment facility at Well #10, with completion expected by May 2026, to ensure safe drinking water for the community.
These initiatives reflect Stillwater’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability, ensuring a vibrant and healthy community for future generations.