Earth Day in Summit County brings events, volunteer opportunities, and free forest access

Volunteers head onto the preserve during Swaner’s Kimball Junction Earth Day trash cleanup, one of several spring community events planned this season. Photo: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County organizations are marking Earth Day and National Volunteer Day with a slate of events and opportunities aimed at celebrating public lands and encouraging stewardship across the community.

As part of the celebration, fees for most recreation sites in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest will be waived on April 22 for Earth Day and again on April 25 in recognition of National Volunteer Day.

Local organizations are also hosting events throughout the week focused on conservation, education, and community involvement.

On April 22, Recycle Utah will host an Earth Day celebration from 5-8 p.m. at Twisted Fern. The 21+ event will feature locally sourced food, drinks and a silent auction supporting the nonprofit’s resource conservation efforts.

Volunteer opportunities on April 25 include a community trash cleanup hosted by Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Participants will meet from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to remove winter debris around Kimball Junction. Coffee, snacks and prize drawings will be provided for volunteers.

More volunteer opportunities can be found through Serve Park City on JustServe.org.

Also on April 25, a Wildfire Preparedness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ecker Hill Middle School. The free event will include an expert panel, vendor booths and a biochar demonstration.

Additionally, on Monday, April 27, Summit County Lands & Natural Resources will host “Roots of Conservation — Wildlife Awareness,” a panel discussion featuring local and state wildlife experts. The event runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mountain Regional Water building in Park City and will focus on habitat, recreation, and coexistence.

Officials say the events are designed to connect residents with the natural landscapes that define Summit County while promoting long-term conservation efforts.