The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, an entity under Utah State University, is facilitating community engagement through new membership opportunities, financial assistance programs, and specialized camp registration for 2026. The center provides various ways for nature enthusiasts to support environmental education and conservation efforts while receiving benefits such as discounted admission and exclusive event invitations.
Membership Tiers and Benefits
According to the Swaner EcoCenter, membership levels are designed to support habitat restoration and educational programming. The organization offers several tiers of membership, including options for senior or college students at $35, individuals at $45, and families at $125. For higher-level donors, the center provides membership tiers named after local wildlife, such as the Warbler at $250, the Kestrel at $500, and the Sandhill Crane for donations of $1,000 or more.
These memberships provide a variety of annual benefits. All members receive benefits for one year, which include free Saturday morning nature walks on the Preserve and discounted admission to various walks, talks, and workshops. Members also receive a 10% discount on purchases at the Swaner Gift Shop and 50% off snowshoe rentals. Depending on the membership level, visitors may also receive unlimited exhibit admission for up to six or eight people per visit, provided the primary member is present.
Travel Benefits and Recognition
Higher-level memberships offer expanded privileges and recognition. The Sandhill Crane tier, which involves donations of $1,000 or more, includes a donor wall recognition at the EcoCenter and custom Swaner Preserve excursions. Members of all levels may also benefit from the ANCA Reciprocal Program and the ASTC Passport Program, which provide free or discounted admission to various out-of-state museums and science centers located more than 90 miles from a member's primary address.
To facilitate travel, the Swaner EcoCenter allows members to request physical membership cards. These cards are useful for accessing reciprocal museum programs during travel. The university maintains a dedicated form for members to request these cards to ensure they have access to their benefits while away from home.
Financial Assistance Programs
To ensure the preserve remains accessible to a diverse community, the Swaner EcoCenter provides a financial assistance application. This program allows individuals to request a discounted membership due to financial hardship. The application process requires applicants to provide details regarding their household income, employment status, household size, and the specific type of membership they are seeking.
In the application, users are asked to share their personal stories in detail to support their request for assistance. The form also collects demographic information, including whether the applicant is of Hispanic or Latino origin and their primary language, to help the center understand the needs of its community.
Seasonal Camp Waitlist
The Swaner EcoCenter is also managing registration for upcoming seasonal programs, including a waitlist for its 2026 ski break camp. Because spots are limited, the center requires interested families to fill out a digital form to join the waitlist for specific days of the camp.
Parents or guardians adding a child to the waitlist must provide the camper's name, grade, and the guardian's contact information, including email and phone number. The center has stated that they will contact guardians directly if a spot becomes available for their child.
Volunteer and Community Engagement
Community involvement is further encouraged through the Swaner EcoCenter volunteer newsletter. By signing up for the newsletter, residents can receive updates on how to make a mark at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter.
This newsletter serves as a primary communication tool for volunteer opportunities and center updates. The signup process is managed through a dedicated web form, and the center notes that subscribers can unsubscribe from these marketing emails at any time via the link provided in the communications.
Mission and Sustainability
All membership and volunteer engagement efforts at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter are designed to sustain the organization's mission of conservation and environmental education. Through a combination of tiered donations, financial aid, and community outreach, the center seeks to build a foundation of nature-loving community members to support its ongoing ecological work.
