Earth Day may only be on April 22, but The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter have nature-themed fun planned for the entire family to enjoy throughout the month of April.

The nonprofit, which is part of the Utah State University Extension, will kick off the festivities by hosting its annual Kimball Junction Trash Cleanup on April 20. 

Garbage accumulates over the winter and some of it ends up on the Swaner Preserve which can be dangerous for wildlife and detrimental to the functions of the wetlands.

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Volunteers who participate in this cleanup are entered into an opportunity drawing for fun prizes and gift cards from local sponsors.

We hope that these events will give participants resources to act boldly, innovate broadly, and implement equitably to invest in our planet in whatever way they can.”  Hunter Klingensmith, Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter director of exhibits and visitor experience

Following Earth Day, the EcoCenter will partner with Park City Film to host a free screening of “In the Dirt” at 7 p.m. on April 25 at the Park City Library’s Jim Santy Auditorium. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

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“In the Dirt” tells a story about cycling on the Navajo Nation and will inspire viewers to think about their connection to the land.

“In celebration of Earth Month, we’re excited to host a variety of activities where our community can learn about the value of nature and how we can nurture both the ecosystem we live in and the people connected with it,” said Hunter Klingensmith, Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter director of exhibits and visitor experience. “We hope that these events will give participants resources to act boldly, innovate broadly, and implement equitably to invest in our planet in whatever way they can.” 

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter will end Earth Month fun with activities to get folks involved in the City Nature Challenge from  April 26-29. 

The public is invited to the EcoCenter that weekend to participate in a different activity each day. From learning to use iNaturalist on Friday, April 26, to free guided nature walks on Saturday, April 27, to crafting a nature journal on Sunday, April 28, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Lastly, the EcoCenter’s traveling exhibition, “Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact,” is on display through May 5. 

The public is invited to explore this exhibition before it’s gone, so there will be free admission on Saturday, April 27, thanks to the nonprofit’s generous sponsors.

Registration and more details for these events and others can be found at extension.usu.edu/swaner/calendar.