Get Involved!
Volunteer Opportunities
Care For Big Bear Trash Cleanup Events
Care For Big Bear is hosting a Trash Clean-Up Day on Sunday, June 4th from 10 AM - 12 PM. The Trash Cleanup event follows the Memorial Day Weekend holiday and is focused on clearing litter from popular recreation areas like the lake shoreline and Forest Service parking lots. The event is open to volunteers of all ages but those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
It is recommended that you wear boots, long pants, and clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Gloves, trash bags, picker uppers, water and snacks, and hand sanitizer will be provided by Care For Big Bear but you're welcome to bring your own supplies as well. Participants will be assigned to an area for trash clean up.
How to Participate:
Step 1: Fill out the sign-up form below.
Step 2: Arrive at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:30 AM and 10 AM on June 4 to pick up supplies and be assigned an area to start cleanup.
Step 3: Enjoy the day! While the objective is to clear away litter from our beautiful landscape, this is a day to enjoy being in the outdoors and meet new people. Clean-up will conclude at 12 PM.
Volunteer to Restore Your Public Lands
Join monthly volunteer events March – October 2023 to restore disturbed lands across the San Bernardino National Forest. All events will improve habitat for wildlife, plants, the Monarch butterfly, and other pollinators. Activities may include collecting and dispersing native seeds, out planting of native species, slashing, barrier installation, nursery work, watering and restoration site maintenance and restoring illegal user created routes. Some events will require driving on USFS dirt roads. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, 4-wheel drive not required.
Two weeks prior to each event, a flyer will be emailed to our volunteer mailing list with the project description, logistics and how to sign up. To add your name/organization to our mailing list, please contact Drew or Lisa below. Our 2023 volunteer events are designed with your safety in mind and will follow strict COVID-19 guidelines. Please sign up in advance. As part of our COVID-19 Safety Plan Pre-Registration is required and space is limited.
Time: Select Saturdays from 9 AM - 3PM. See dates.
Email Drew Farr drew.farr@usda.gov or call 909-522-1363 or email Lisa Underwood at lunderwood@mountainsfoundation.org
Care For Big Bear Trash Clean-Up Form
Volunteer in the Community
Best Practices & Principles
With steady visitation year-round, and heavy crowds on weekends and peak seasons, we ask that you plan ahead for all possible road conditions, obey safety laws, and help keep our Valley clean and pristine for generations to come.
On Your Way
Road Etiquette
Driving the mountain can be difficult for some drivers. Be aware of safe driving speeds and if traffic accumulates behind you, please use turn-outs to let traffic safely flow smoothly. Pulling off at these turnouts for snow play in winter is not recommended. Turnouts help the flow of traffic, but too many cars parked for long periods of time becomes dangerous!
While Visit Big Bear recommends snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain - the U.S. Forest Service does allow snow play in the San Bernardino National Forest. Please play responsibly and away from traffic and closed areas like the Bald Eagle Habitat.
Winter Driving
You must carry tire chains in your vehicle during the winter months. Additionally, you should carry a sturdy shovel and cat litter - or gravel - should you need to dig out of a berm or create additional traction on icy roads.
During Your Stay
Treat Our House Like Your House
One of Big Bear Lake’s charms is that most businesses, cabins and lodges are locally-owned. It’s one of the reasons why your stay means so much to the livelihood of Big Bear Lake residents. Kindly treat these spaces with the same respect you should show your own home and your neighbors’ homes. Do not leave trash on private property or allow it to blow away. We practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and we encourage you to do so too! Every year, thousands of broken sleds and countless pieces of trash are left behind - in the forest and along the roads - please do not be a part of this statistic.
Think About Energy & Water Usage
Turn off lights when you leave a room and try to open windows or wear additional clothing instead of adjusting the thermostat. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and avoid high water use activities. Also, help us preserve our night skies by switching off unused indoor and outdoor lights after dark. Tips for Traveling Green
Safety
Lake Ice - Please stay off lake ice! Big Bear Lake's ice is thin through the winter and not suitable for walking or playing. The risk to your life - and those of rescuers if you fall through - is not worth it. Hefty fines await those who violate this county order.
Snow Play - Sledding near and into streets is extremely dangerous as cars use roadways year-round. Do not use turnouts to park for snow play. Other travelers will need them to put chains on, to let other drivers pass, and to pull over for emergencies.
Swimming - In the summer months, swimmers must stay within 50 feet of shore. Swimming off of boats is not recommended particularly without a life vest. Every year tragic drownings occur in Big Bear Lake. Many of these victims know how to swim but are not prepared for the lake environment which includes very cold water temps, currents, and exhaustion from altitude. Stay alive, wear a life vest!
Enjoying Nature Responsibly
Think About Your Impact
When using trails, keep to existing routes and do not create new ones. Do not leave trash on trails and pick up any garbage you may find along the way. Do not take away rocks, plants, or other natural objects, and do not approach wildlife. When camping, you must stay in developed campgrounds that are open per National Forest allowance. Also, help us preserve our night skies by switching off unused indoor and outdoor lights after dark. Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
Think About Fire Danger
One careless match, one burning cigarette tossed out the window, or one neglected campfire can destroy the homes of both residents and our precious wildlife. Learn about the One Less Spark Campaign
