Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director 

By Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter | April 9, 2024

On April 1, the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter welcomed Lewis Kogan as its new Executive Director. Kogan replaces longtime director Nell Larson, who left the EcoCenter in October 2023 for a position in Los Alamos, NM.

“I am thrilled to join the team at Swaner and continue the powerful work of the organization, including wildlife and habitat conservation, and providing our community with top-notch nature education at the EcoCenter and the beautiful Preserve. I’m humbled by the passion and expertise of the staff, and the support and love that Park City and Summit County show for this incredible place.”

Kogan has previously worked in the non-profit conservation sector, in conservation and visitor education roles for the US Forest Service and National Park Service, in research settings at the University of Montana, and in natural resources management and planning for Salt Lake City Corporation.

During Kogan’s tenure with the Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands, he guided the growth of the nature-focused aspects of the work, starting from a single open space position, and eventually encompassing a whole team of natural resource professionals. In the role, Kogan and his team were dedicated to native species restoration, natural lands management and recreation, strategic planning, and project development with an annual capital budget of nearly $10M and a visionary 20-year master plan. 

“I’ve become increasingly interested in working at the nexus of applied ecosystem restoration, human health, and access to nature,” said Kogan. “The work that the EcoCenter is doing on and off the Preserve, combined with access to community resources and community support, is something I think is truly unique and exciting. I can’t wait to engage more with our community members and partners.”

The Swaner Preserve was established in 1993 as the Swaner Memorial Park Foundation, and has since grown to include 1,200 acres of protected open space, a 10,000 square foot LEED Platinum nature center with rotating exhibits, 10 miles of trails, and extensive opportunities to engage with and learn about the natural environment. In 2010, the Preserve and Nature Center became part of the Utah State University Extension, which operates diverse public-facing programs and facilities in nearly every county in Utah.

Other Naturalist News

Loss of Beaver Population Next to Swaner EcoCenter

Between March 23 and April 2, five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by Swaner staff. All five beavers shared one lodge outside the EcoCenter, and samples collected from one of the beavers tested positive for tularemia.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce our new executive director, Lewis Kogan. Learn more about his impressive career and excitement to join the organization.

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