Volunteer Project Catalog

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Saturday, July 12th 2025, 9-10 am Help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators by assisting with our demonstration garden in front of the EcoCenter! Volunteers will help with soil amendment, weeding, and pruning the pollinator garden in front of the EcoCenter to maintain it for the growing season. This opportunity is a great way to learn about native and waterwise plants that do well in Park City. Volunteers will receive instruction and guidance upon arrival from gardening professional Colie Belieu (https://yogaearthdesign.com/). Dress for the weather and for gardening. We'll provide the tools and supplies. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to Utah Master Gardeners!

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday July 16th, 8:30-10:30 am Join the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in this outdoor project managing invasive weeds! Invasive weeds crowd out native species and impair habitat. This is a great way to get onto areas of the Preserve that are not open to the public. Volunteers should be able to walk over uneven ground, bend over for extended periods, work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and comply with the safety guidelines. MEETING LOCATION: ~1000 Cutter Lane. Please park on the shoulder and don't block driveways or the pull-up mailbox station. From here we will walk on a short path to the Preserve's southern boundary and work there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/n4faJ3tYDTRKnNcx9 Volunteers should wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, pants, hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack if needed. Work gloves will be available to borrow but bring your own if there is a pair you prefer. Kids as young as 10 may accompany their parent or guardian for the duration of the project, but to keep in mind the strenuous nature of the project. Unaccompanied minors must be 14+. If you have any questions regarding this, contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday July 23rd, 8:30-10:30 am Join the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in this outdoor project managing invasive weeds! Invasive weeds crowd out native species and impair habitat. This is a great way to get onto areas of the Preserve that are not open to the public. Volunteers should be able to walk over uneven ground, bend over for extended periods, work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and comply with the safety guidelines. MEETING LOCATION TBD Volunteers should wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, pants, hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack if needed. Work gloves will be available to borrow but bring your own if there is a pair you prefer. Kids as young as 10 may accompany their parent or guardian for the duration of the project, but to keep in mind the strenuous nature of the project. Unaccompanied minors must be 14+. If you have any questions regarding this, contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday July 30th, 8:30-10:30 am Join the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in this outdoor project managing invasive weeds! Invasive weeds crowd out native species and impair habitat. This is a great way to get onto areas of the Preserve that are not open to the public. Volunteers should be able to walk over uneven ground, bend over for extended periods, work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and comply with the safety guidelines. MEETING LOCATION TBD Volunteers should wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, pants, hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack if needed. Work gloves will be available to borrow but bring your own if there is a pair you prefer. Kids as young as 10 may accompany their parent or guardian for the duration of the project, but to keep in mind the strenuous nature of the project. Unaccompanied minors must be 14+. If you have any questions regarding this, contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Join us for a fun-filled day of nature exploration at Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter! Volunteers will assist with leading family-friendly activity stations focused on pond exploration, wetland science, and outdoor play. This event is open-house style and runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers will arrive at 9:30 AM to help with setup and stay until 1:30 PM for cleanup. If you have questions regarding scheduling, please email Bri at brianna.cencak@usu.edu Volunteer roles include: *Assisting with setup and takedown of activity stations *Engaging families and kids at interactive stations *Restocking and organizing supplies *Encouraging curiosity and learning through hands-on play Activity station descriptions will be emailed out to volunteers prior to the event. Volunteers will also receive a brief orientation upon arrival.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday, August 6th 8:30-10:30 am Join the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in this outdoor project managing invasive weeds! Invasive weeds crowd out native species and impair habitat. This is a great way to get onto areas of the Preserve that are not open to the public. Volunteers should be able to walk over uneven ground, bend over for extended periods, work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and comply with the safety guidelines. MEETING LOCATION TBD Volunteers should wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, pants, hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack if needed. Work gloves will be available to borrow but bring your own if there is a pair you prefer. Kids as young as 10 may accompany their parent or guardian for the duration of the project, but to keep in mind the strenuous nature of the project. Unaccompanied minors must be 14+. If you have any questions regarding this, contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday, August 13th 5:30-6:30 pm Help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators by assisting with our demonstration garden in front of the EcoCenter! Volunteers will help with soil amendment, weeding, and pruning the pollinator garden in front of the EcoCenter to maintain it for the growing season. This opportunity is a great way to learn about native and waterwise plants that do well in Park City. Volunteers will receive instruction and guidance upon arrival from gardening professional Colie Belieu (https://yogaearthdesign.com/). Dress for the weather and for gardening. We'll provide the tools and supplies. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to Utah Master Gardeners!

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Wednesday, August 13th 8:30-10:30 am Join the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in this outdoor project managing invasive weeds! Invasive weeds crowd out native species and impair habitat. This is a great way to get onto areas of the Preserve that are not open to the public. Volunteers should be able to walk over uneven ground, bend over for extended periods, work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and comply with the safety guidelines. MEETING LOCATION TBD Volunteers should wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, pants, hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack if needed. Work gloves will be available to borrow but bring your own if there is a pair you prefer. Kids as young as 10 may accompany their parent or guardian for the duration of the project, but to keep in mind the strenuous nature of the project. Unaccompanied minors must be 14+. If you have any questions regarding this, contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Saturday, September 13th, 2025 Shifts available 9:30-11 am and 10:30 am-noon. Lend a helping hand during Park City's community-wide day of service by picking up trash along the Swaner Preserve boundaries. If not removed, much of this garbage ends up on the Swaner Preserve which can be dangerous for wildlife and detrimental to the functions of the wetland. We will meet at the Swaner EcoCenter- parking and directions can be found here: https://extension.usu.edu/swaner/directions. Volunteers will be supplied gloves, bags, trash grabbers, and a location of where to head for trash cleanup. Locations around the Preserve can be accessed on foot or by vehicle for those looking to tackle different areas. Volunteers will collect trash around and on the Swaner Preserve in bags and bring them back to the EcoCenter or set dropoff points for collection. Questions? Contact Rhea at rhea.cone@usu.edu or 435-797-8956

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Do you enjoy working with children and making crafts? We’re seeking creative and fun volunteers every Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:15 pm. Join us for one Sunday or multiple days!

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Inspire, instruct, and ensure the safety of guests who participate in Swaner's Wetland Climbing Wall! The Climbing Wall Volunteer supports Swaner EcoCenter staff during our busiest times on Saturdays and Sundays. No prior experience necessary. Key Responsibilities: - Keep a safe and positive atmosphere during climbing wall open hours - Ensure each climber has filled out a waiver prior to climbing - Keep track of number of climbs per climber (using wrist band and tally marks) - Secure harness to climber - Secure auto belay to the harness - Know and enforce all climbing wall rules - Maintain constant supervision of climbers Time Commitment: - Saturdays and/or Sundays, 1pm-4pm - Two shifts per month (6 hours), for a minimum of three months Qualifications: - Must be 16 years or older - Must pass a background check - Must be responsible, reliable, and ensure safety of climbers is the top priority Training includes the following: - One-on-one instruction of climbing wall, including how to safely and correctly put on a harness, how to use an auto belay, rules of the climbing wall, and strategies of how to manage multiple climbers waiting to use the wall - Shadowing a staff member during climbing wall hours - Demonstrate proficiency in skills outlined in training Benefits: - Invitation to Swaner events and activities for volunteers - Experience working with a great team of staff and volunteers - Develop new skills - Opportunity to make a difference and have a positive impact on our community!