The Discovery Center is one of 6 programs managed by nonprofit
San Bernardino National Forest Association. Tax I.D. 33-0556414

About the San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA)

The SBNFA is the lead nonprofit to the U.S. Forest Service on the San Bernardino National Forest; complementing their priority efforts of hazardous fuels reduction and watershed recovery by bringing much-needed volunteer forces and associated funding to perform a "mountain" of restoration work. SBNFA works hand-in-glove with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) botanists and biologists in prioritized restoration projects utilizing the SBNFA's Great Seeds Youth Leadership Restoration Team, the Urban Conservation Corps, and community volunteers. In addition, on the third Saturday of each month from February to November, community planting days are dedicated for volunteers to perform planting, non-native plant removal and general forest clean up activities. The Urban Conservation Corps is a collaborative program between the SBNFA and the Forest Service targeting at-risk youth ages 13 to 17 who live in the City of San Bernardino. The aim of the Urban Conservation Corps is to assist the Forest Service primarily on the Front Country of the SBNF, Lytle Creek Ranger Station area, in preserving and restoring the health of the San Bernardino National Forest while strengthening and expanding the role of urban communities who are contributing to these efforts. In addition, youth participate in weekly classes on life skills education and job readiness training.

Special attention to corporate meeting planners, executives and organizations! Looking for a unique teambuilding program to rally your employees or members, break down barriers while providing them with a powerful event to give back to a greater community of people and cause? We can create a custom-designed tree planting program on the San Bernardino National Forest to enable your team to assist the SBNFA in the huge task of planting seedlings and grasses in fire devastated areas on the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF). What a sense of giving back for current and future generations to enjoy and benefit! The program can include a BBQ and a commemorative plaque presentation. The SBNF is the most recreated and populated national forest located in our Southern California backyard and welcomes over 15 million visitors annually. Aside from recreation, our forest plays a critical role as a tool and resource in carbon sequestration. Your help is needed to restore its efficiency and contribute towards a greener and more sustainable planet. For more information, please contact executive director, Sarah Miggins, at (909) 382-2796.

The San Bernardino National Forest Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; tax ID 33-0556414. Founded in 1993 by recently-retired SBNF Supervisor, Gene Zimmerman, the SBNFA was formed to complement and expand the mission of the U.S. Forest Service in "caring for the land and serving the people". The SBNFA matches federal dollars with donations, fund raising events, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, volunteer power and other creative resources in building capacity and creating opportunities for people and communities to participant in public lands management. In addition, instilling forest stewardship values through educational and recreational programming to San Bernardino National Forest visitors and residents are key organizational core values and tactics. Over 1,000 volunteers support the SBNFA's six divisions including Forest Care, Fire Education Outreach, Fire Lookouts, Children's Forest, Off Highway Vehicle program and the Big Bear Discovery Center. For more information on "Your Partner for Conservation, Education & Recreation", check out SBNFA.org website. Memberships, donations and planned giving are options available for families to leave a legacy on the SBNF.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a visitor and environmental education center and offers family-oriented programming, e.g. guided nature walks, gold panning, Jr. Forest Ranger program, building pinecone bird feeders, map and compass, etc., to connect visitors to the national forest while instilling stewardship values. The Center is also an outdoor classroom used in conjunction with the SBNFA Children's Forest, located in Running Springs, for our Children in the Outdoors educational portfolio of programs targeting K-12 students. We connect kids with their outdoor natural world utilizing experiential learning techniques while developing a foundation for fitness.