Local Environmentalist Uses Knowledge To Empower New Milford Youth

As the current executive director of Pratt Nature Center, Diane Eng Swanson has been committed to helping area youth get outdoors for over 35 years. Discovering her love for nature at a young age, the Brooklyn, New York native found a way to translate that passion into positive opportunities for her local community of New Milford, Connecticut, where she moved as a college graduate and put down permanent roots.

In her career, Swanson has earned a reputation as an esteemed community leader, awarded accolades including New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Individual of the Year and Western Connecticut Coalition’s Asset Builder of the Year, among other accomplishments. She is an active member of many associations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association and the New Milford Substance Abuse and Mental Health Council (New Milford Coalition for Awareness & New Beginnings).

We spoke with Swanson to showcase the extraordinary work she has done toward the betterment of local youth and the community of New Milford and to learn more about the accomplishments she’s most proud of.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: How long have you lived in New Milford, and how did you get more involved in the community?

Swanson: [I’ve lived here] sort of my whole life — full-time for the last 33 years. My friends help me with the organizations and events that I am passionate about, and I help them with the organizations and events they are passionate about. [I’m] not a fan of meetings, but [am] happy to help!

Everyone can and should get involved in something. It doesn't have to be long-term or a big event. Our small nonprofits are grateful for the small things.

Patch: You have been recognized as a leader in your community for your work with the Pratt Nature Center and Nature School, among many other accomplishments. What do those accolades mean to you?

Swanson: I am most proud of the growth and reach of [the Pratt] Nature School, Year In The Woods and Nature Babies. I enjoy speaking at workshops and organizations about the social, emotional, physical, academic and spiritual benefits of outdoor, authentic play. The research is well documented — change is hard but so needed, especially in early childhood.

Some other accomplishments include the 2019 Western Connecticut Coalition’s Asset Builder of the Year; 2019 New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year; 2020 Litchfield Magazine’s Top 25 Most Creative, Intriguing, Talented and Giving People; 2022 New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Individual of the Year; Litchfield Magazine’s Number 1 Summer Camp for several years; Litchfield Magazine’s Number 1 Preschool/Kindergarten for two years.

Patch: In addition to your work with the Pratt Nature School, you’ve been involved in many community projects and events. What were some of your roles and what did you enjoy most about them?

Swanson: I have served as the Co-Chair of the New Milford Substance Abuse and Mental Health Council (NMCAN).

I also partake in the New Milford Grad Party; even though my kids are long out of New Milford schools, it is such a valuable event for our town's youth.

I have been the environmental piece of the Fifth Grade Walking Project at Sarah Noble for 16 years! Opening ceremonies are always my favorite, [along with seeing] all of the businesses and organizations that are supportive of our youth.

I also participate in Give Local, where we gather the New Milford nonprofits together during the
CT Community Foundations 36-hour event to promote the spirit of giving. Banners are hung on the town's light posts for each New Milford nonprofit participating. So many great nonprofits support our community. True change can only happen when the community, municipality, schools, businesses and nonprofits work together.

I have a team with the Steven Sillar Tower Climb. My team of four, all from New Milford, climb the stairs of One World Trade Center every year to raise funds for 9/11 first responders and their families. Fun fact: my team ranges in age from 25 to 75 years old!

[I’ve also recently joined] the Tourettes Association. I've participated in two events so far, but in the past several years, my experiences with a child diagnosed with Tourettes and his family — all of whom I consider dear friends now — have taught me so much about myself and have made me a better educator and advocate for all children.

Also, I'm really good at selling raffle tickets. If you are a golfer and have been or are going to either the Yardscapes Charity Golf event or the New Milford Softball Charity Golf event, you know I will hit you up at the door!

Patch: What's one thing you wish others knew about the resources available to them as a member of New Milford?

Swanson: I wish more people knew how valuable all of the nonprofits in New Milford and the surrounding area are. Like Pratt, many of them do not receive, town, state, or federal aid. Community support, [both] big and small, helps a lot!

[Also,] I wish more people used all of the wonderful outdoor spaces that New Milford and our surrounding communities have available for us to enjoy.

Patch: What do you love most about being a part of New Milford?

Swanson: I love forming connections and seeing people work together for the greater good of not just New Milford but everywhere!

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like Patch readers to know about the Pratt Nature School?

Swanson: We advocate state and nationwide for big changes in the way that we educate our children, especially [from] birth through [age] five. I can talk about the science and research behind the importance of outdoor authentic play and its effect on our children's social, emotional, physical and academic well-being for hours! Change will happen — [but I] wish it were faster.

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