Connecting communities to public lands is key to their survival

We mobilize individuals to inspire and engage in environmental citizenship.

Become a Member Today

Your membership will help protect Public Lands for everyone, not and for the future.

People need public land—and for 32 years, The Southern California Mountains Foundation has worked to protect it. Through conservation initiatives, innovative environmental education, and the operation of the largest discovery center and local corps serving the Inland Empire, we empower people to learn and protect the San Bernardino National Forest.

Highlights from Mountains Foundation

Fire Lookouts

Majestic views, solitude, and heroic vigilance – the fire lookouts of the San Bernardino National Forest capture a romantic part of California’s past. 

Discovery Center Shop

Stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center or shop online for outdoorsy swag and Big Bear goods.

Jackie and Shadow Apparel

Jackie & Shadow Apparel

 We have new Jackie and Shadow apparel celebrating our beloved bald eagles, along with Keller Peak and San Bernardino OHV gear.

oin a passionate community of changemakers dedicated to making a difference. Your commitment fuels impactful projects, fosters empowerment, and creates a brighter future for all.
Experience firsthand the transformative power of collective action, as we unite to drive meaningful change, inspire hearts, and leave a lasting legacy of hope and progress.
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Become a Member Today

Your membership will help protect Public Lands for everyone, not and for the future.

Explore Our Programs
Since 1993, the organization has made a critical difference, executing volunteer programs that contributed over 2 million service hours to Public Lands.

These spaces often feature kid-friendly trails, interactive exhibits, and educational programs aimed at fostering a love for nature and outdoor activities in young people.
Educational facility in Big Bear Lake, California, offering interactive exhibits and programs focused on environmental conservation and outdoor recreation in the surrounding area.
Sentinel towers perched atop majestic peaks, vigilantly safeguarding vast wilderness expanses, ensuring swift detection and response to protect our cherished natural landscapes.
the act of vocalizing musical sounds with melody, rhythm, and often lyrics. It's a form of expression and communication, conveying emotions, stories, or ideas through music and voice.
Empowering communities through hands-on environmental stewardship, fostering a sustainable urban future while creating meaningful opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are rugged, versatile vehicles designed for off-road use, offering enthusiasts thrilling adventures across diverse terrain while providing access to remote and challenging landscapes.
offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, guided nature walks, and recreational activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for the surrounding natural environment

What’s Happening with Mountains Foundation

Congratulations Corpsmembers of the Month

Congratulations to SCMF’s Corpsmembers of the month of March! Angelica Welch is currently an educator on our Naturalist crew, consistently demonstrates versatility, dedication, and a willingness to take on. Angelica says, “I am 25 years old. I am originally from New Jersey, but I currently reside in Redlands, CA. I enjoy learning about the environment,…

Butler Peak 90th Celebration

Giveaway Time! This year we are celebrating 90 years of the Butler Peak Fire Lookout, a historic landmark that has watched over Big Bear Valley for generations. To honor this milestone, the Southern California Mountains Foundation is launching a special giveaway. One participant will receive a Butler Peak signature Fire Lookout print or a Southern…

300 Tires Removed from Public Lands

The Southern California Mountains Foundation’s Urban Conservation Corps removed and recycled nearly 300 illegally dumped tires from U.S. Forest Service land. This site represents one of the most extensive illegal dumping areas our team has encountered on public lands. While removing 300 tires has made an important impact, it is only the beginning, and our…

Partners Make It Possible

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