Swaner strategic plan prioritizes education, stewardship, and connection

Photo: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter.

PARK CITY, Utah — Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter has released a new five-year strategic plan to strengthen its conservation, environmental education, and community engagement work across Park City and the Wasatch Back.

The 2026–2030 plan follows a yearlong planning process involving staff, board members, community partners, educators, families, neighbors, and other residents, according to the organization. Swaner said the plan is intended to guide its efforts over the next five years as it works to serve both the local environment and the people who rely on it as a community resource.

“This plan is both a promise and a call to action,” said Lewis Kogan, executive director of Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter. “With continued collaboration, partnership, and care, we can ensure Swaner remains a place where nature brings people together today and for generations to come.”

According to Swaner, feedback was gathered through focus groups, surveys, Spanish-language interviews, and community gatherings. The organization said that the process reinforced how strongly the preserve and EcoCenter are valued both as protected open space and as a place for public education and connection.

“We were pleased to hear from so many community members during this process,” said Janna Coulter, community engagement manager. “It’s clear there is great appreciation for Swaner in our community and exciting dreams for the future. We look forward to growing the reach of our programs and adding even more value for wildlife that find refuge on the Preserve.”

Swaner said the strategic plan is grounded in the idea of “Nature As Common Ground,” a guiding concept developed from public input and used by staff and board members to shape priorities and goals during a fall 2025 retreat.

The final plan identifies five priority areas: ecological stewardship, environmental education, nature connection, awareness, and organizational health.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter includes a 1,200-acre preserve in Park City with wetlands, public trails, and wildlife habitat, as well as a LEED Platinum museum and education center. The organization said it serves more than 3,500 children annually through science-based environmental learning programs, as well as offering exhibits, events, and adult education.

The full strategic plan is available on Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter’s website.