World Water Day 2025: Why Glacier Preservation Matters to Stillwater, Minnesota

When you think of glaciers, your mind might wander to towering ice sheets in Alaska or snow-capped peaks in the Rockies. But what do melting glaciers have to do with us here in Stillwater, Minnesota? It might seem like a distant problem, but the reality is that glacial retreat affects all of us—no matter where we live.

Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, losing more than 600 gigatons of water in 2023 alone. This rapid loss isn’t just a problem for coastal communities or mountain regions. It’s a global crisis that impacts our climate, weather patterns, and, yes, even the Midwest.

How Are We Connected?

Here in Stillwater, we don’t have glaciers in our backyard, but we are deeply connected to the consequences of their disappearance. Glacial melt contributes significantly to sea-level rise, which might seem like a coastal problem, but it has ripple effects throughout the entire country. As sea levels rise, ecosystems shift, weather patterns become more erratic, and the global water cycle becomes increasingly unpredictable.

That means more severe weather events—something Minnesotans are no strangers to. Have you noticed the increasingly unpredictable flooding along the St. Croix River OR warmer, more mild winters? While not solely caused by glacial melt, climate change intensifies these events, bringing more frequent heavy rains and higher river levels. Plus, the Midwest relies heavily on freshwater resources for agriculture, drinking water, and industry, much of which is indirectly impacted by the melting of ice far from here.

Why Glacier Preservation Matters to Us

The glaciers may be far from Stillwater, but their impacts are closer than you might think. Melting glaciers disrupt the global water cycle, influencing river flows and groundwater levels that connect to the Mississippi River watershed—a critical source of water for drinking, agriculture, and industry across the Midwest. Reduced glacier mass also means less cold water flowing downstream, which can impact fisheries and biodiversity all along the Mississippi Basin.

As sea levels rise due to glacial melt, saltwater intrusion threatens coastal aquifers, which can indirectly affect inland water systems by increasing the demand for freshwater from sources like the Mississippi. What happens to glaciers truly does affect us all, and preserving them is not just an environmental concern but a practical necessity for our communities and ecosystems.

What Can We Do in Stillwater?

Protecting glaciers might sound like a job for those living near mountains, but every action counts—no matter where you live. Here are a few ways we can contribute from right here in Stillwater:

1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Lowering greenhouse gas emissions slows global warming, helping to preserve glaciers. Choose renewable energy, carpool, bike, or walk when possible.

2. Conserve Water Locally: The more we conserve, the less strain we place on interconnected water systems. Simple steps like fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances can make a big difference.

3. Support Climate Policies: Advocate for legislation that prioritizes renewable energy and climate resilience, and support businesses committed to sustainability.

4. Engage with Sustainable Stillwater MN: Stay informed and get involved in local initiatives that address climate change and environmental preservation.

Save the Glaciers. Save Our Future.

This World Water Day, let’s remember that glacier preservation isn’t just about faraway ice caps—it’s about protecting our collective future. The health of our planet’s frozen resources directly influences our lives here in Stillwater and beyond. We’re all connected—through the water we drink, the weather we experience, and the ecosystems we depend on.

Let’s play our part to keep our frozen lifelines intact. Together, we can make a difference. 💙