Swaner Preserve, EcoCenter anchors conservation and recreation in Summit County
The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter near Kimball Junction manages a protected 1,200 acre wetland and uplands nature preserve while offering education, events, and volunteer stewardship for Summit County residents. Its miles of multiuse trails, seasonal programming, and rotating markets and art shows provide recreation, learning, and local economic activity while habitat restoration work may bring occasional temporary closures.
The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter serves as a local hub for conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education in Summit County. The site protects roughly 1,200 acres of wetlands and uplands and maintains miles of multiuse trails open for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. The EcoCenter operates posted visitor hours, often Wednesday through Sunday, provides trail maps at the center, and posts a public calendar for guided walks, programs, and occasional temporary closures for restoration work or prescribed burns.
Programming at Swaner ranges from birding and ecology classes to kids camps and school field trips, giving local educators and families direct access to hands on natural science opportunities. Regular rotating events, including markets and art shows tied to conservation goals, draw visitors to the Kimball Junction area and create opportunities for local vendors and artists to reach customers. Volunteer stewardship opportunities allow residents to participate in habitat restoration and invasive species management, extending the preserve impact beyond passive recreation.
For Summit County residents the preserve has multiple practical benefits. Wetlands within the protected area support biodiversity and provide natural water filtration and flood mitigation services for the region. Recreational use contributes to local quality of life and supports small scale economic activity through events and visitor spending. Educational programming supports K through 12 learning objectives and provides year round experiences that complement classroom curricula.
Visitors should plan ahead, particularly during active restoration periods. The EcoCenter recommends checking the preserve calendar before visiting to confirm hours, guided events, and any temporary access restrictions. As local interest in outdoor recreation and environmental education grows, the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter remains a key community asset that connects residents to regional ecology while advancing conservation goals.
