Volunteers to plant trees along East Canyon Creek at Swaner Preserve

Swaner Preserve and TreeUtah will host an Oct. 14 restoration project aimed at improving wildlife habitat, streambanks and cold-water habitat

PARK CITY, Utah — Volunteers will spend an October afternoon planting trees and willows along East Canyon Creek as part of an ongoing effort to restore habitat at the Swaner Preserve.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter and TreeUtah will host a community tree planting Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. along a section of the creek near Station Loop Road.

The work is intended to do more than add trees to the landscape.

Trees and other woody vegetation along a creek can stabilize streambanks, provide shade that helps keep water cool, and create habitat for wildlife. Swaner says the new plantings will provide forage for elk, moose, and deer, nesting habitat for birds, and food and building material for beavers. Cooler water also benefits trout, which depend on cold-water habitat.

Volunteers will plant container-grown trees and shrubs ranging from 1-gallon to 15-gallon plants, along with willow stakes harvested on the preserve. Swaner will provide tools, including gloves and shovels.

The project builds on earlier restoration work along East Canyon Creek.

A Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative report says trees and shrubs were planted along the creek in late 2024 to increase shade, improve habitat and water quality, and reduce erosion. Protective fencing was installed around the plants to limit damage from beavers and large animals while the vegetation became established. About 80% of those trees were still alive when the site was monitored in June 2025.

The restoration work is continuing as Swaner works to increase woody vegetation along East Canyon Creek and improve the streamside habitat.

Wednesday’s planting will take place on an area of the preserve that is not generally open to the public. Volunteers should be prepared to walk on uneven ground, bend and work outdoors for an extended period, and lift up to 20 pounds.

Participants should wear pants and closed-toe shoes and bring water, sun protection, and weather-appropriate layers. Water refills and snacks will be available.

The meeting location is near 1050 Station Loop Road in Park City. Advance registration is available through the Swaner Preserve volunteer page.

A second Swaner and TreeUtah planting along East Canyon Creek is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon.