What is Restoration?

Restoration means creating and maintaining healthy, resilient forests capable of delivering all of the benefits that people get from them: clean air and water, carbon sequestration, habitat for native fish and wildlife, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and more. SCMF has a thriving restoration team working hard this past year! During the pandemic, forest visitation rose…

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Fire Lookout on mountain top

Fire Lookout Program

Majestic views, solitude, and quiet, heroic vigilance— fire lookouts of the San Bernardino National Forest capture a romantic part of California’s past. The Southern California Mountains Foundation proudly oversees its preservation. Today, there are seven fire lookout towers in the San Bernardino National Forest manned by dedicated Southern California Mountains Foundation volunteers. These volunteers go through informative…

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Discovery Center Opens Outdoor Spaces

The Big Bear Discovery Center is now open for visitor information and nature programs in our outdoor spaces. The indoor areas are still closed for remodeling but staff and volunteers are operating out of the Discovery Center Amphitheater. Visitors can get Forest information, purchase Adventure Passes and limited merchandise, attend nature walks, listen to a…

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Music in the Mountains Update

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our Music in the Mountain concert series this year, but don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing’s gonna be alright. The good news is, in 2022, we plan to turn the beat around with a fun, exciting season of Music in the Mountains, stronger than ever in…

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National Trails Day: Big Bear Trails Hosts with the Most

Join the Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) Trails Program for the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® June 5, 2021 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on multiple trails throughout the valley. Hospitality kiosks will be located at Cougar Crest, the Pacific Crest Trail at Cushenberry Summit, Aspen Glen, and the Woodland Trail. Visit a…

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Bobby Vega

Community Celebrates Upgrades to Bobby Vega Park

Community members will gather to celebrate the completion of a walking path and installation of fitness equipment at Bobby Vega Park, named for a champion of San Bernardino County youth. They will be joined by community members and elected officials. The Bobby Vega Park Improvement Project was funded through Prop 68 funds that were secured…

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Southern California Mountains Foundation Seeks Public Input on OHV State Grants

The Southern California Mountains Foundation will be seeking public input for their upcoming State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD) preliminary grant that will be submitted on March 1, 2021, with the final grant applications due June 7, 2021. California state regulations require public input prior to the preliminary application deadline for this…

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Maple Hills Trails Complex Phase One is Now Ready

The High School Trail in Big Bear Valley is Now Open to the Public     October 2020, Fawnskin CA.  The first of three trails in the Maple Hills Trails Complex is now open for public use in Big Bear. Adding to the extensive trail network in the San Bernardino Mountains, the Maple Hills Trail Complex…

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