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Sustainable Stillwater MN is making strides across all areas: advancing emissions reduction and solar energy projects, expanding the Green Business Directory, protecting natural resources through initiatives like Adopt-a-Drain and Bird City, enhancing transportation options with bike-friendly upgrades, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through community engagement and training. These combined efforts aim to build a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive community.
Here’s a detailed update on ALL our ongoing projects:
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Climate Work Area Update
Our Climate Area has been diligently working on several key initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices in the Stillwater community.
Cimarron Solar Project: Led by Linda Countryman, this project is making significant strides. Currently, we are halfway through the initiative, with a primary focus on getting residents signed up for solar subscriptions. To engage the Latino community more effectively, new bilingual flyers have been created. Building trust within the community has been paramount, and the efforts are paying off. The Rotary grant has been instrumental, providing $50 incentive gift cards and covering registration fees, making it more attractive for residents to participate. Linda has been leveraging connections through the Family Means kids/teen center, which has proven effective in distributing flyers and making meaningful connections. The goal is to reach 30 subscriptions by August 1, and we are optimistic about meeting this target thanks to the community's strong involvement.
Emissions Reduction Team: Dory Herman has highlighted that the team is in a transitional phase, aiming to revitalize interest and participation. To kickstart this, a meet and greet event is scheduled for August 15th from 5:30-7:00 PM at City Hall. This event is designed to attract new members for both SSMN’s workgroup and the city's energy committee. The goal is to bring together individuals passionate about energy efficiency and emissions reduction, ensuring that our initiatives are driven by dedicated and strategic community members. This event will be crucial in setting the stage for our 18-month target to implement impactful energy solutions.
Olive Street Reconstruction: Roger Tomten has been actively involved in discussions regarding the Olive Street reconstruction project. He has uploaded comments and insights on the drive and encourages board members to contribute to the ongoing survey. The focus is on enhancing street tree plantings and improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure, aligning with our goal of creating a more sustainable and accessible community. Public workshops are being planned to communicate zoning issues and gather community input, ensuring that the project reflects the needs and aspirations of Stillwater residents.
Zoning and Community Engagement: Roger also reported on zoning issues, emphasizing the importance of community workshops to address these concerns. These workshops will provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future development of Stillwater. By engaging the community in these discussions, we aim to foster a collaborative approach to sustainable urban planning.
The Climate Area is committed to driving forward initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
DEI and Social Justice Update
Our DEI and Social Justice Workgroup is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within Sustainable Stillwater MN and the broader community. Ami Voeltz and Aimee Van Ostrand continue to meet monthly to discuss DEI ideas and strategies to bring to the board and workgroup teams. These meetings serve as a platform for brainstorming and developing actionable plans to enhance inclusivity and equity within our organization and community projects.
Hudson Pride Fest: On June 22, SSMN hosted a table at Hudson Pride Fest, engaging over 200 visitors. Ami, Kelsey, Rick, Clayton, and Connor participated, spreading awareness about our initiatives and reinforcing our commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The event was a tremendous success, showcasing our dedication to inclusivity and community engagement.
United Way Washington County East DEI Task Force: Ami attended the second DEI Task Force meeting hosted by United Way Washington County East on June 26, which included representatives from various sectors such as the county, corporate, local businesses, non-profits, and churches. The task force brainstormed ideas for creating a safe environment and identified top opportunities for community equity initiatives. Ami is actively involved in shaping the task force’s direction, with plans for a DEI training session in the next meeting.
Bias Training: Ami is coordinating a bias training session for all workgroup leaders, scheduled for October 16. The training will be conducted by Kara Lundin from 6:00 PM to 6:40 PM. This session aims to help our leaders recognize and address biases, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within SSMN. Ami will provide more details, including any associated fees, in August. Additionally, a DEI Ted Talk/article is included in the meeting packet for leaders to preview before the training.
Unpacking Our Bias: Ami and Aimee are committed to ongoing education and discussions around unpacking bias. They are exploring various resources and training opportunities to bring to SSMN. This ongoing focus ensures that we continually grow and improve in our understanding and practice of DEI principles.
Community Equity Initiatives: The DEI workgroup is exploring potential community equity projects that SSMN can champion. These initiatives aim to bring together diverse groups within our community to address equity issues and create lasting positive change. By identifying and acting on key equity issues, we strive to make Stillwater a more inclusive and fair community for all residents.
The DEI and Social Justice Workgroup remains dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity within Sustainable Stillwater MN and the broader community. Through ongoing education, community engagement, and targeted initiatives, we are making strides toward a more inclusive and just society.
Economy Work Area Update
Our Economy area is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, sustainable economy in Stillwater by supporting green businesses and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Green Business Directory: Led by Wendy Gorski, the Green Business Directory project continues to expand. This directory serves as a valuable resource for residents looking to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. Wendy and her team are actively working to add more businesses to the directory, ensuring that it represents a wide range of industries and services. The directory not only highlights these businesses but also encourages others to adopt greener practices by showcasing the benefits of sustainability.
Candidates Forum: To engage the community in the upcoming elections, Wendy is planning a candidates forum in September. This event will invite candidates who are interested in green policies and sustainability to speak at the Stillwater Public Library. The forum will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the candidates' positions on environmental issues and how they plan to support sustainable economic growth in Stillwater. This initiative aims to ensure that sustainability remains a key focus in local governance.
Biz Recycling Grant: The Biz Recycling Grant, which has provided $15,000 annually for the past five years, is in its final year. Wendy is working closely with Rob Murray to explore options for renewal. The grant has been instrumental in supporting recycling and waste reduction initiatives among local businesses. If the grant is not renewed, we may need to scale back these efforts, as the businesses involved are not keen on paying additional dues. The team plans to apply for renewal in November, with notifications expected in January. This grant is crucial for continuing our work in promoting sustainable business practices.
Green Business Networking and Support: Kristin Prideaux continues to support green businesses by organizing networking events (Plant A Seed) and providing resources to help them thrive. She is planning to integrate these businesses more closely into GBD's communications, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve. Additionally, there are discussions about incorporating these businesses into future SSMN events and initiatives to further highlight their contributions to sustainability.
The Economy Workgroup remains committed to promoting a sustainable and resilient local economy. By supporting green businesses and fostering community engagement, we aim to create a thriving economic environment that prioritizes environmental stewardship.
Environmental Work Area Update:
Our Natural Resouces Area is actively engaged in several projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the environment in Stillwater.
Adopt-a-Drain: Led by Meghan Lavelle, the Adopt-a-Drain program has seen substantial community involvement. Residents have been encouraged to adopt a local storm drain, keeping it free of debris to prevent pollution in our waterways. Meghan reports that the program has been highly successful, with numerous volunteers taking part. This initiative not only helps keep our water clean but also raises awareness about the importance of preventing stormwater pollution.
Bird City: Allison McGinnis leads the Bird City project, which aims to make Stillwater a bird-friendly community. Recently, we received a generous $2,000 donation from John Wheatley, a retired 3M scientist, to purchase Haikubox bird listening devices. These devices will be placed in three locations, with the first installation on Wendy’s property. Julie Balfanz will use the data collected to work with local school groups, fostering a connection between students and local bird populations. Allison is also collaborating with Lakeview Hospital to implement bird-friendly practices in their landscaping and building designs, and working on a native bird/pollinator garden at Browns Creek Park with Joanna Eckles. Bird Fest is another key event, with multiple tables to be hosted, and the planning is in full swing.
Cigarette Litter: Mark Schwantes is leading efforts to combat cigarette litter in Stillwater. Although he has been away for much of the winter and spring, he plans to expand the number of disposal canisters throughout the community. This project aims to reduce the environmental impact of cigarette waste and promote cleaner public spaces. Mark will be reaching out soon to discuss additional steps and placements for new canisters.
Rain Garden: Ruth Alliband is making significant progress with the rain garden initiative.
Ruth reports a good year for volunteer participation, including community service contributions from Connor and local scout troops. They have been actively involved in planting and maintaining rain gardens across Stillwater. Ruth has also developed educational materials, including plant ID signs, to enhance community understanding of rain garden benefits. The focus has been on garlic mustard removal and ensuring rain gardens are well-maintained.
Protect Our Water: Meghan Lavelle is also leading the Protect Our Water initiative, focusing on safeguarding Stillwater’s water resources. This involves various activities such as coordinating volunteer efforts for rain garden maintenance, organizing neighborhood garlic mustard pulls, and advising residents on water conservation practices. Meghan has been instrumental in building partnerships with local organizations to enhance these efforts.
Wendy’s Demonstration Lot: Wendy’s demonstration lot project is progressing well. She has been in discussions with Tim Gladhill about the city accepting the property as a donation for use by SSMN. The city has expressed concerns about maintenance responsibilities, but there is interest from Washington County in acquiring the land. Brett Stolpestad of the Washington County Watershed District is developing a land use plan to restore the lot to its natural habitat. The potential uses for the lot include creating a demonstration garden to educate the community on sustainable landscaping practices.
The Environmental Area is dedicated to preserving Stillwater’s natural beauty and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Through the combined efforts of our leaders and volunteers, we are making a tangible impact on our community’s ecological health.
Transportation Work Area Update
The Transportation Area is dedicated to enhancing sustainable transportation options in Stillwater.
Bicycle Friendly Certification: Rick Heidick, along with volunteer Tony Drollinger, is working on the recertification process for Stillwater’s Bicycle Friendly Community status. This certification, awarded by the League of American Bicyclists, recognizes communities that support cycling through infrastructure, education, and policy. The team is gathering data and preparing the necessary documentation to maintain our status, highlighting the importance of safe and accessible biking options for residents.
Bike Rodeo: Planning is already underway for next year’s Bike Rodeo, an event designed to teach children and adults safe cycling practices. Rick is collaborating with Brad Junker from SSMN to co-lead this event. The Bike Rodeo is a community favorite, offering hands-on activities that promote cycling skills and safety awareness. The event includes obstacle courses, bike maintenance workshops, and safety demonstrations, ensuring participants of all ages are equipped with the knowledge to ride safely.
Partnerships and Collaboration: The workgroup is actively building partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to promote cycling and other sustainable transportation options. By collaborating with these stakeholders, the workgroup aims to create a more connected and supportive network for cyclists and pedestrians. These partnerships also help in organizing events and initiatives that encourage active transportation.
Bike Infrastructure Improvements: Continuous efforts are being made to improve bike infrastructure in Stillwater. This includes adding bike lanes, installing bike racks, and enhancing signage to make cycling routes more navigable and safe. The workgroup is also exploring opportunities to secure funding for these improvements through grants and community support.
The Transportation Area is committed to promoting alternative transportation options that are safe, sustainable, and accessible. By focusing on cycling infrastructure, community engagement, and partnerships, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance the quality of life for Stillwater residents.
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