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September 14-19, 2026

Climate Action Starts Here.

Valley Climate Action Week is a community-wide celebration of the people, partnerships, and projects creating a more resilient and sustainable St. Croix Valley. Throughout the week, residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local governments are invited to come together to learn, volunteer, connect, and take meaningful action.

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Hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN, this collaborative initiative showcases how climate solutions happen at the local level—through neighbors helping neighbors and organizations working together toward a shared future.

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Whether you're attending one event or participating all week long, there's a place for you to get involved.

Explore the Week

Every day highlights a different aspect of sustainability while celebrating the partners and community members making an impact across the Valley.

Sign up for VCAW Updates!

Stay connected with Valley Climate Action Week. Sign up to receive occasional updates, event reminders, and opportunities to participate throughout the week.

Monday, Sept 14th

Valley Network Day

Connecting people, ideas, and action

Kick off the week by celebrating collaboration across the St. Croix Valley. Monday brings together residents, organizations, and leaders who are building stronger communities through creativity, conversation, and shared purpose, while also highlighting the Green Business Directory and the businesses helping lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

  • C-Change Conversations
    C-Change Conversations
    58 days to the event
    Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater
    Sep 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury, MN 55125, USA
    An inspiring evening featuring nationally recognized climate communicator Kathleen Biggins. Discover the science behind climate change, explore its local impacts, and join a respectful conversation focused on understanding, connection, and practical solutions.
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Tuesday, Sept 15th

Land & Water Stewardship Day

Caring for the places we all share

Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of thriving communities. Tuesday highlights the projects and partnerships that protect our rivers, lakes, habitats, parks, and neighborhoods while encouraging stewardship and care for the places we all share.

  • Climate Week Trash Dash 2026
    Climate Week Trash Dash 2026
    59 days to the event
    Autumn Hills Park
    Sep 15, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
    Autumn Hills Park, 5697 Norwich Pkwy, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082, USA
    Join neighbors for an afternoon cleanup to kick off Climate Week.
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Wednesday, Sept 16th

Transportation Day

Moving toward a cleaner future

Transportation choices shape our health, economy, and environment. Wednesday showcases sustainable mobility through community rides, educational opportunities, and ideas that make it easier to travel with a lower environmental impact.

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Thursday, Sept 17th

Celebration of Science & Sustainability

Celebrating leadership and looking ahead

Join us for an evening that celebrates the people, ideas, and organizations helping build a more sustainable future. Connect with others, explore local sustainability efforts, recognize community leadership, and support our mission.

PLEASE register by September 10th.

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Friday, Sept 18th

Community Leadership Day

Working together for lasting change

Climate solutions are powered by people. Friday highlights the businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, educators, and local leaders who are creating lasting change through collaboration and service across the Valley.

  • Wild Rivers Conservancy Fall Celebration
    Wild Rivers Conservancy Fall Celebration
    62 days to the event
    Rustic Roots Winery
    Sep 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St Croix Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073, USA
    Celebrate conservation, community, and our wild rivers.
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Saturday, Sept 19th

Bird City Festival Day

A joyful finale for the whole community

The week concludes with a family-friendly celebration of nature, conservation, and community spirit. Visitors can discover local organizations, enjoy interactive experiences, connect with green businesses, and celebrate the biodiversity and environmental leadership found throughout the St. Croix Valley.

  • Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival 2026
    Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival 2026
    63 days to the event
    Brown's Creek Park
    Sep 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Brown's Creek Park, 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
    Celebrate birds, clean water, and community! Explore live raptors, hands-on activities, nature exhibits, and family fun during the grand finale of Valley Climate Action Week.

Sustainability Leadership Award 2026

Nominees may come from any sector — business, nonprofit, government, education, or community life — and must:

  • Demonstrate long-term dedication to sustainability through action and advocacy.

  • Show measurable impact in one or more areas: climate action, green infrastructure, clean energy, local green economy, environmental policy, equity, or education, reuse or materials recovery, supported electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, local food systems (farm-to-table efforts), or transportation alternatives, etc. 

  • Be active in or have a clear and sustained impact on the St. Croix Valley Area.

  • Inspire others and model best practices for environmental stewardship and community leadership.


Examples of Nominees Might Include:

  • A local business transforming operations to be more energy efficient.

  • A volunteer spearheading community clean-up efforts and native plantings.

  • A public official championing climate-forward legislation.

  • A teacher or youth leader instilling sustainability values in the next generation.

  • A neighborhood group or coalition leading innovative community action.


Nomination Process:

  • Nominations accepted until August 15th, 2026.

  • Anyone may nominate a candidate via our official form.

  • Finalists will be selected by the Sustainability Awards Team.

  • Up to three Sustainability Leadership Awards may be given at the discretion of the Awards Team.


Award Presentation

  • Award recipients will be recognized during Valley Climate Action Week on Thursday, September 17, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Loft Venue, 214 S Main St, Stillwater, MN 55082

Support Valley Climate Action Week

Valley Climate Action Week is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners who believe in creating a healthier, more connected future for the St. Croix Valley.

Sponsors

Interested in supporting this community-wide celebration? Sponsorship opportunities help expand programming, improve accessibility, and create meaningful experiences for participants throughout the week.

Not ready to become a sponsor? Individual donations of any size help Sustainable Stillwater MN continue building local climate solutions and empowering community action year-round.

Individual Donation
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