How ECF’s Support is Growing the Swenerton Education Center
During ECF’s 2024 grant cycle, the Escondido Creek Conservancy received an “Outdoor Community Enhancement” grant. Using this funding, they transformed a section of the Mountain Meadow Preserve office area into an outdoor classroom and event space: the Swenerton Education Center.
The Swenerton Education Center at Mountain Meadow Preserve is a growing center for outdoor learning and community programming. The grand opening in August 2025 was followed by the Conservancy’s Outdoor Education Elevated fundraiser at the site that October, where supporters got to see the new space firsthand.
Students in the Field
In November 2025, students from Escondido High School and Orange Glen High School came to Mountain Meadow Preserve for habitat restoration field trips. Working with Conservancy staff, they learned about native plants, local wildlife, and the ecosystems on site.
Students from Orange Glen High School on a habitat restoration field trip, Mountain Meadow Preserve, November 2025.
The Center also hosts the Conservancy’s Yoga & Guided Hike program every second Friday and third Saturday of the month, open to community members of all ages.
Ongoing Improvements
In January 2026, the Conservancy added a prep table, sink, and a new birdhouse. The birdhouse supports both habitat value and birdwatching programming at the site.
New birdhouse installed at the Swenerton Education Center, January 2026.
What’s Ahead This Spring
More field trip groups are scheduled for spring 2026, and the team is developing curriculum for the outdoor classroom setting.
Accessibility is a current priority. The Conservancy is working to make the area more bus-friendly, which would allow more school groups to visit, including those without other transportation options.
Planned improvements this year:
- Native planting throughout the space
- A “birding closet” for equipment storage and birdwatching programs
- A long observation bench for wildlife viewing and group outdoor lessons
The Swenerton Education Center outdoor classroom space.
35th Anniversary Campaign
As the Conservancy celebrates its 35th Anniversary Campaign, donations made through 2026 are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million, doubling the impact of gifts that support programs like those at the Swenerton Education Center.
For more information, visit escondidocreek.org.