Stillwater, Minnesota, experiences a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year, characteristic of a humid continental climate. This includes warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters.
Climate Overview
On average, temperatures in Stillwater range from lows of 8°F in winter to highs of 82°F in summer. The warm season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 81°F and a low of 62°F. Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to early March, with January being the coldest month, averaging a high of 24°F and a low of 9°F. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.63 inches of rainfall.
Environmental Initiatives
In response to these climatic conditions, Stillwater has implemented several environmental initiatives to promote sustainability and resilience.
Sustainable Stillwater MN
Established in 2016, Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social, economic, and environmental resilience in the community. SSMN has been instrumental in various projects, including the downtown business waste management program S.E.E.D., promotion of energy management for carbon reduction, Safe Routes to School, and the adoption of the GreenStep Cities plan.
GreenStep Cities Program
Since 2018, Stillwater has been designated a Minnesota GreenStep City, thanks in part to the efforts of the Sustainable Stillwater GreenStep team. The GreenStep program provides guidelines to help cities achieve sustainability, resiliency, and a better quality of life for their citizens. The GreenStep Group collaborates with city officials to coordinate local programs and practices under the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, focusing on sustainable best practices that address green building, energy efficiency, natural resource conservation, transportation, and more.
Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a 55-acre parcel behind Stillwater Area High School, managed to reflect three major biomes found in Minnesota: oak forest, prairie, and coniferous planting. The ELC includes several ponds and learning circles with benches for various educational activities. The field biology course utilizes this area extensively for activities such as banding migratory birds, trapping and marking small mammals, attaching radio collars to wildlife, and using camera traps to capture photos of wildlife. Public hiking is encouraged, but dogs are not allowed in the ELC.
These initiatives reflect Stillwater’s commitment to understanding and adapting to its climate while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability within the community.