Volunteer & Get Involved
In Big Bear, our greatest gift is the natural environment. As locals and visitors, we share a responsibility to be stewards for these beautiful surroundings. There's always a way to leave a positive impact on the environment, whether you're clearing away litter, sticking to marked trails, observing wildlife from afar or joining in volunteer opportunities in the valley.
Action is the only remedy to indifference. Elie Wiesel
Restore the Bear Community Clean-Up
Care For Big Bear is joining forces with Restore the Bear this Friday, May 2 from 10 AM - 1 PM as the final Big Bear Earth Month event.
We will be focusing on these areas:
- The creek behind Vons grocery store
- The shorelines nearest to Division Dr.
- Other areas to be determined
It is recommended that you warm clothes, boots and clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Gloves, trash bags, picker uppers, water and snacks, and hand sanitizer will be provided but you're welcome to bring your own.
How to Participate:
Step 1: Fill out the sign-up form below.
Step 2: Arrive at Dank Donuts - 42612 Moonridge Rd - before 10 AM to enjoy complimentary coffee and collect supplies.
Step 3: While the objective is to clear litter from the landscape, it's also a day to enjoy being outdoors!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Info & Orientation
Join the Southern California Mountains Foundation for a Volunteer Orientation on May 4 from 2 – 4 PM at the Big Bear Discovery Center (40971 North Shore Dr) and find out how to get involved.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, art, public lands, or community engagement, there’s a role for you:
• Nature Walks – Become a Certified Naturalist and lead interpretive walks on the Nature Path.
• Front Desk – Greet visitors, share trail and weather info, and help plan their adventures.
• Arts & Crafts – Create birdhouses, pinecone feeders, story time kits, and more for guests.
• Discovery Shop – Support our nature-themed shop where proceeds benefit public lands.
• Events – Help out with local happenings like Music in the Mountains and Public Lands Day.
• Support Nature – Your time and energy help Big Bear’s public lands thrive!
Contact to learn more:
SHarvey@MountainsFoundation.org
909-382-2790
Location: 40971 North Shore Dr / HWY 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
Green Thumbs
The Southern California Mountains Foundation is out every other Saturday from April through October restoring our public lands within the San Bernardino National Forest. Restoration includes seed collecting, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, trash pick-up, graffiti removal and more. Great for all ages!
Pre-register by emailing: lunderwood@mountainsfoundation.org
Upcoming Dates:
9 AM - 3 PM
- May 3
- May 17
- May 31
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7 from 9 AM - 2 PM at the Castle Rock Trail 1W03
We invite you to join the Southern California Mountains Foundation at Castle Rock Trail in Big Bear for National Trails Day! This is one of our most popular trails in Big Bear, help us to maintain and improve the trail for all recreators. There will be family-friendly trail work, lunch provided, trash pick-up, lots of fun, and a raffle. All tools and gloves provided. Participants should wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeve shirts.