Why Are There Pink Flags on the Swaner Preserve?
By Rhea Cone | September 25, 2024
If you’ve driven, ridden, or walked past the Swaner Preserve on Highland Drive, you might have noticed a scattering of little pink flags dotting the landscape. What are they all about? Let us fill you in!
Thanks to the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food and their Utah Pollinator Habitat Program, we were awarded over 300 seedlings to make the Swaner Preserve a better home for pollinators. These plants will provide essential food and habitat for some of our most important pollinators, such as bees and monarch butterflies. Last week, we were thrilled to have a fantastic group of volunteers come out to help get these plants in the ground!
Those cheerful pink flags are markers for newly planted seedlings and will help us keep track of the plants as we nurture them to maturity. You may notice Swaner staff out watering these plants throughout the next few weeks.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to see the flags yet, then head over to the Swaner Kiosk to check them out. While you’re there, take in the scenic views, enjoy the new interpretive signage, or perhaps snap a photo at our Chronolog Station to contribute to a community science project. Just a friendly reminder not to cross over the fence – this section of the Preserve contains sensitive wetland habitat, and of course, hundreds of baby pollinator plants!
Want to find out about other conservation projects happening on the Swaner Preserve? Learn more about what our conservation team is doing year-round to nurture this beautiful piece of open space here in Park City, UT.
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.
Wanted: Invasive Weeds
It's weed season, Park City! Help our native ecosystem by tackling invasive weeds in your area, or joining in one of Swaner's upcoming volunteer events!
Small Wonders
As snow slowly melts from mountain peaks - allowing the world around us to bloom into vibrant colors and lush habitats - we encourage you to slow down and zoom in! There are many small wonders to be found in the broad landscapes we inhabit here in Park Ci
Why Are There Pink Flags on the Swaner Preserve?
If you’ve driven, ridden, or walked past the Swaner Preserve on Highland Drive, you might have noticed a scattering of little pink flags dotting the landscape. What are they all about? Let us fill you in!
Sticking Together Like Birds of a Feather: The Migration of Sandhill Cranes
As fall arrives in Park City, we begin to see an incredible sight unfold in the sky above. With their distinctive red crowns and prehistoric calls, flocks of sandhill cranes embark on an extraordinary migratory journey to their southern wintering grounds.
Leave the Wavyleaf: Native vs. Invasive Thistle
Did you know that Utah has several native thistles, including Wavyleaf Thistle (Cirsium undulatum) and Elk Thistle (Cirsium scariosum), which are commonly spotted at Swaner Preserve? Learn more about the differences between native and invasive thistles.
Wine Among the Willows 2024
Want to learn more about innovations in wine production that put people and the planet at the forefront? Swaner Preserve and Vine Lore have teamed up to bring a sampling of sustainable, biodynamic, or innovative wines to this event!
Events
Location, Hours & Contact
Physical & Mailing Address
1258 Center Drive
Park City, Utah 84098
EcoCenter Hours
Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
The EcoCenter will be closed on November 28, December 25-26, & January 1-5.
Email
swanerecocenter@usu.edu
Phone
435-649-1767
