It Starts Right Here.

It is so important that we do not give up hope — and that we do not give up on each other.

When the challenges facing our world feel overwhelming, it helps to remember what we share: healthy families, safe neighborhoods, good jobs, affordable choices, and a bright future for our children.

At Sustainable Stillwater MN, we believe we can begin there — right here in the St. Croix Valley.

In 2026, our community showed us what is possible when people come together and take action.

Together, we planted 200 native trees, collected 125 bicycles for children in need, hosted four Trash Dashes, and helped 100 people explore electric vehicles through EV test drives. We engaged seven schools in Bike to School, supported 15 local government meetings, and continued building connections through our Bird City, Transportation, Land Stewardship, Valley Network, and Community Leadership programs.

And then there were the moments that brought thousands of people together.

The Valley Eco Fair welcomed 1,200 participants and 40 partners. Valley Climate Action Week brought together more than 850 people for a week of learning, connection, and action. Our Green Business Directory now connects 150 local members working toward a more sustainable local economy.

But the meaning of this work lives beyond the numbers.

It is in the child discovering a bird for the first time. The neighbor picking up litter alongside someone they've never met. The student turning climate anxiety into action. The business owner finding a new way to reduce waste. The volunteer who gives an afternoon, a Saturday, or hundreds of hours because they believe this place is worth caring for.

In 2026 alone, more than 10,000 volunteer hours helped make this work possible.

And we're just getting started.

Sustainable Stillwater MN exists to create and support local projects that promote sustainability across the Stillwater area. We bring people together around environment, economy, and community — creating practical opportunities for people to learn, connect, and make a difference.

This year, we chose not to hold our traditional gala so we could focus more of our time and resources on programs. That means your support matters even more.

Your year-end gift helps sustain the people, coordination, and resources behind the work. It helps keep climate education, community events, volunteer opportunities, and local sustainability projects free or accessible to people across the St. Croix Valley.

Whether you give $25, $100, $500, or whatever amount is meaningful to you, your gift helps us carry this momentum into 2027.

We have so much more to grow. More people to welcome. More young people to empower. More trees to plant, places to care for, connections to make, and local solutions to build.

We couldn't do this without you — and we don't want to.

Please make a year-end gift today and help us keep this work growing.

It Starts Right Here.

End-of-Year Giving 2026

Help keep local sustainability growing, accessible, and rooted right here in the St. Croix Valley.