What's Happening on the Swaner Preserve? Conservation Update from July-September 2026

Conservation Projects

• Through the summer, Swaner’s conservation team removed 3,300 lbs of invasive weeds from the Preserve. The majority of this weight consisted of dyer’s woad and musk thistle.
• So far, over 850 live willow stakes have been planted on Kimball Creek and East Canyon Creek--with more projects coming this fall. Live stakes are harvested on the Preserve and then planted where woody vegetation is lacking. New plants can grow from a single stick.
• The last mile of old exclusionary fencing was removed from East Canyon Creek by a crew from the Utah Conservation Corps. This fencing was installed in the early 2000s to protect large areas of tree planting but fell into disrepair and was creating a barrier to wildlife and restoration projects, as well as being an eyesore. Thanks to the Central Wasatch Commission for funding this project through their Short-term Projects Grant Program.
  
• 900 pollinator plants were planted along the Preserve’s northwest border on East Canyon Creek, awarded by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s Utah Pollinator Habitat Program.

Volunteering & Outreach

• 245 volunteers gave 876.5 total hours between July and September. They helped with trash cleanup, summer camp, invasive weed removal, demonstration garden cleanup, Sunday craft, seed collection, and activities for family days, among other projects.
• 11 volunteers helped at our first-ever volunteer seed collection in September--collecting seeds from Great Basin Wild Rye.

Wildlife Happenings

• Raptors are filling the skies over the Preserve. Among the list of frequent fliers are Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, and American Goshawks.
• We have seen some infrequent beaver activity along East Canyon Creek this summer. You may notice higher water levels near the Dog Beach.
• Groups of elk have been spotted around the Preserve as the rut continues through October.
• Sandhill Cranes are preparing for their migration south after raising their colts on the Preserve this summer.

Cheers to a Great Season

As our busiest season comes to an end, we're getting ready to slow down a bit for winter. Before we're completely done, we'll have a couple of tree planting days with TreeUtah on October 14 and 24, 2026. And don't worry, we'll still be collecting and spreading seeds throughout the end of the year!

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.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bird

It’s spring, which means baby animals of all kinds are starting to appear! Learn what to do if you find a baby bird during this time of year.

Stewardship in Action: Intern Insights

What’s it like to spend a summer caring for 1,200 acres of wildlife habitat? Our 2026 Conservation and Outreach interns just finished up their season, and they're here to tell you all about it. Read on for their reflections!

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