Although the Swaner EcoCenter and Preserve is known for being a nature preserve that provides a natural habitat for area and migrating wildlife, there is still more to it than meets the eye, said Sally Tauber, the center’s director of business development.

“We offer a lot of community outreach, education programs, children’s and family activities throughout the year,” Tauber said during an interview with The Park Record.

Following is a schedule of confirmed and upcoming events presented by the Swaner EcoCenter. RSVPs are required. Call (435) 649-1767 ex. 113 or email [email protected].

APRIL

  • 7 Spring Celebration, 10 a.m. until noon. Children will dye Easter eggs with natural dyes from boiled onion skins and beets. An Easter bunny will be on site for photos and the Mom’s Group will host an Easter-egg hunt at the Newpark Center. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will be held inside the Swaner EcoCenter. $5.
  • 11 Climate change series talk, 7 p.m. The talk, presented in partnership with City Hall, about Utah’s changing climate regime with the state climatologist and Utah State University professor Robert Gillies. Free.
  • 16 Little Naturalist Story Time, 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Children ages three to five will read the book “I Can Save the Earth,” by Alison Inches and make crafts that will be on display during the Swaner EcoCenter’s Earth Day celebration on April 19, $2 per family.
  • 19 Earth Day celebration, featuring climbing, geocaching, wetland explorations, crafts and games, and the public will learn about the local environment. Free.
  • 19-21 Willow planting at the East Canyon Creek banks. Times are April 19 and 20, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. and April 21, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The willows will take root and stabilize the banks, which will enhance the fish habitat. It’s a muddy, hands-on project. RSVP to Brittany Ingalls at [email protected]
  • 24 Spring Field Trips to open.
  • 26 Climate change series talk, 7 p.m. The talk, presented in partnership with City Hall, will feature Professor Barry Bickmore from Brigham Young University. He is a geochemistry professor who will discuss why political conservatives don’t accept the theory of human-caused climate change. Free.
  • 28 Gardening at High Altitude discussion by Summit Community Garden, 3 p.m. Gaye Stoner, former president of the Park City Garden Club, will take attendees through a year of gardening in Summit County. Free.

    MAY

  • 5 Mother-Child Outdoor Adventure in honor of Mother’s Day, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mothers and their children, ages seven to 11, will participate in activities that include learning about local environments, exploring the wetlands and art projects. $5.
  • 7 Little Naturalist Story Time, 11 a.m. Children ages three to five will read Vivian French’s “Growing Frogs,” and examine live frogs and tadpoles on the preserve. $2 per family.
  • 12 Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Layton’s Wild Bird Center owner Bill Fenimore will lead a bird walk on May 12. The event will take place early morning and RSVP is required. $5.
  • 18 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival will hold its walk event. Sign up through the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival. (www.greatsaltlakebirdfest.com)
  • 21 Little Naturalist Story Time, 11 a.m. Children ages three to five will read “Near One Cattail” by Anthony Fredericks and will also get wet and dirty exploring the preserve. $2 per family

    JUNE

  • 13 Goat grazing tour, 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Nell Larson, director of conservation at Swaner, and Sterling Banks, Summit County extension director, for a one-hour tour of the project site and an explanation about how the innovative method works. Free.
  • 14 Owl prowl with HawkWatch International, 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.. The Owl Prowl is an evening event that starts with a talk at the EcoCenter and then moves onto the preserve. Participants use flashlights and headlamps for a nighttime hike to look for owls. $5
  • 16 Father-Child Outdoor Adventure in honor of Father’s Day, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Fathers and their children will learn about the environment, explore the wetland and also complete a stewardship project that will be announced shortly. $5
  • 18 Summer Camp: Outdoor Exploration for first and second graders. (www.swanerecocenter.org/education-calendar/youth-programs/summer-camps.html)
  • 25 Summer Camp: Watershed Explorers for fifth and sixth graders, (www.swanerecocenter.org/education-calendar/youth-programs/summer-camps.html)

    JULY

  • 9 Summer Camp: FUNdamental Science for first- and second-graders, (www.swanerecocenter.org/education-calendar/youth-programs/summer-camps.html)

    The Swaner EcoCenter and Preserve also hosts nature walks and weekly climbing activities.

    For more information, visit www.swanerecocenter.org or call (435) 649-1767.