Swaner Nature Preserve and Eco Center. Photo: Michele Roepke // TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — For the first time in two decades, the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is developing a new strategic plan, and it is seeking the public’s feedback throughout the development process.

Swaner recently launched a community-wide survey to gather feedback on how residents currently engage with the organization, what environmental priorities matter most to them, and how the organization can better serve its rapidly growing community over the next 5 to 10 years.

The survey, which will be open until early August, is part of a broader outreach effort that has included eight focus groups, more than 40 one-on-one interviews with Spanish-speaking community members, and conversations with local partner organizations.

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“This is a crucial step so we can hear from folks across the community on what impact they’d like Swaner to make here in Park City and the surrounding areas,” the organization said. “Together, the survey, focus groups, interviews, and more will shape the strategic plan that we plan to highlight at the end of the year.”

The survey is open to all residents, regardless of past involvement with Swaner. In fact, staff say they’re equally interested in hearing from people who are new to the preserve or haven’t yet found a connection to it.

“One of the things we’re most fundamentally looking for is to understand from individual community members what makes Swaner valuable to them, their families and friends, and the place they choose to live,” the organization said. “We want to hear people’s own Swaner story.”

The new plan comes at a pivotal moment. As Summit County’s population grows and land use pressures mount, Swaner is evaluating how best to balance preservation, education, and community engagement. The plan aims to clarify which environmental actions the organization is best positioned to lead, how it can support learning opportunities for all ages, and how it can evolve alongside the community it serves.

“Our community has grown a lot over the past 20 years and continues to grow,” staff said. “We want to make sure that our programming and offerings grow with this evolving community.”

To take the survey, visit: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01hk6HwB0RXU5M2

For more information on the strategic planning process, visit: https://extension.usu.edu/swaner/2025-strategic-plan