Nature Walks!
Saturdays & Sundays, 1pm & 2pm
Join us for a 30-minute nature walk to learn about the local plant and wild life and some very interesting historical facts. Great activity for families and individuals who want to gain a greater appreciation for our National Forest. Nature walks are not strenuous and designed for all levels of physical conditioning.
FREE!

Fishing Big Bear Lake Lecture
Thursday, July 3; 7pm-8pm
Special lecture by Chuck Gormley; Trout Notes. . . Big Bear Lake!
FREE!

Gold Panning
Saturday, July 5; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Map & Compass
Saturday, July 5; 12pm-1pm
You won't get lost in the woods with these skills! You will have the opportunity to walk a course to test the skills you have learned.
FREE ~ Donations Appreciated

High Flying Rockets
Saturday, July 5; 1pm-2pm
Get a chance to build your own rocket from recycled materials then see how high it flies. Class limited to 12, sign-up at the front desk.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated

Pinecone Birdfeeders
Saturday, July 5; 1pm-3pm
Calling all kids! We will be making pinecone birdfeeders. Birds will flock to your yard with this well crafted simple feeder.
FREE, Donations appreciated

Book Signing ~ Fishing Big Bear Lake
Saturday, July 5; 1pm-3pm
Chuck Gormley - Trout Notes... Big Bear Lake
Robert Reed - Flowering Plants of the San Bernardinos, Wildflowers of the San Bernardinos, Trees of the San Bernardinos
Anita K. Booth - Birds of the San Bernardino Mountains
Carol Franco - A Child's Guide to California Wildflowers
FREE!

Music in the Mountains ~ DooWah Riders
Cajon Country
Saturday, July 5; 5pm-9pm
There is no one else like the DooWah Riders and that's why they
are returning to the Discovery Center stage. For over 20 years
they have been riding their own patch of the musical range throughout the West. They possess the rare combination of many years of experience and youthful energy, fired by a love for what they do. The DooWahs are country, with a unique, original sound they define as "high energy country with a cajun twist". Their tight musicianship and powerful arrangements of classic and original songs have made them favorites everywhere they go.
Fee: $15 Adult (18+); $10 Teen (13-17); 12 & under FREE

Fitness in the Forest
Sunday, July 6; 9am-10:30am
Get fit this summer with the Discovery Center & Dani McGee's Mountain Fitness Center! This hour and a half program covers various health topics from Certified Nutritionists & Person Fitness Trainers followed by a hiking circuit on local hiking trails with a Discovery Center naturalist. Once a month June -September.
Fee: $30 for all 4 sessions, or $10 per session.
Reservations suggested ~ limited to 10 people.

Bear With Us!
Sunday, July 6; 10am-12pm
Misha Bear, an orphan baby bear will be making an appearance at the Big Bear Discovery Center for a two hour presentation. Get a chance to see this cute baby black bear and learn how humans can live peacefully with wildlife. This program is brought to you through a partnership with Wildhaven Ranch, a wildlife rehabilitation center and sanctuary.
Fee: $5 adults, Children 5 and under Free!

Gold Panning
Sunday, July 6; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, July 6; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Campfire: Critters of the Forest
Sunday, July 6; 7pm-8pm
This presentation will include live animals from our forest! Keepers from Moonridge Animal Park will bring live animals to the Discovery Center and present interesting facts while the audience can see the animals up close.
Fee: $5 Admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Campfire: Rambling Ranger
Friday, July 11; 7pm-8pm
Please join us for a musical evening presenting local Forest Rangers playing some amazing bluegrass music that will really get your feet moving!
Fee: $5 Admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Gold Panning
Saturday, July 12; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Map & Compass
Saturday, July 12; 12pm-1pm
You won't get lost in the woods with these skills! You will have the opportunity to walk a course to test the skills you have learned.
FREE ~ Donations Appreciated

High Flying Rockets
Saturday, July 12; 1pm-2pm
Get a chance to build your own rocket from recycled materials then see how high it flies. Class limited to 12, sign-up at the front desk.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated

Music in the Mountains ~ Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave
Western
Saturday, July 12: 5pm-9pm
Belinda Gail and Curly Musgrave define synergy. The combination
of their individual talents and careers has brought a powerful
performance dynamic to Western music. This distinction has most recently earned them the coveted award of "Group or Duo of the Year" for 2006. Belinda Gail, dubbed "American's Western Sweetheart", and Curly Musgrave know to have one of the finest voices to come down the trail in a long, long time infuse electricity, energy, enthusiasm and ersatility into their performance. This is reflected in their dynamic arrangements of original and traditional Western music as well as Gospel and traditional Country songs. Audiences truly enjoy their lively and humorous banter on stage. Both are skilled and articulate yodelers and routinely bring audiences to their feet with harmony yodeling and songs that run the gamut of emotions from tears to hilarity.
Fee: $15 Adult (18+); $10 Teen (13-17); 12 & under FREE

Animal Tracking
Sunday, July 13; 11am-1pm
Come learn how to track animals found in our forest. Learn how tracks are cast and make your very own! Join a naturalist on a short hike around the grounds looking for signs of animals.
Fee: $3

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, July 13; 1-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Movie Night ~ Lassie Come Home
Thursday, July 17; 8pm
Bring the family to enjoy a summer lineup of fabulous old time movies under the pines at 7,000 feet. 7pm Gates Open; 8pm Showtime. Seating available on a first-come basis, bring your own beach chair.
Free Admission!

Campfire: Star Party
Friday, July 18; 7pm-8pm
Get a chance to view deep sky objects through two powerful telescopes! Your hosts Dr. Frank Murray, Randy Fear and Tim Baggarly will take you on a journey through the night sky. Following a short presentation you will get a chance to view stars, planets, nebulas, and other fascinating objects in the night sky.
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Build a Birdhouse
Saturday, July 19; 10am-12pm
Bluebirds will love your yard with this well-designed birdhouse that you can build! We will provide kits for individuals or families to build together during this 2-hour program sponsored by Riffenburgh Lumber Co. Class limited to 20 people, first come first serve.
Fee: $10 per kit

Gold Panning
Saturday, July 19; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Mountain-Man Encampment
Saturday, July 19; 10am-2pm
Come step back in time to the 1820's when Jedediah Smith and his brigade of trappers ventured into the San Bernardino Mountains. Visit with modern day mountain-men, learn about the history of the fur trade and try your hand at tomahawk and knife throwing.
Fee: $3

Map & Compass
Saturday, July 19; 12pm-1pm
You won't get lost in the woods with these skills! You will have the opportunity to walk a course to test the skills you have learned.
FREE ~ Donations Appreciated

High Flying Rockets
Saturday, July 19; 1pm-2pm
Get a chance to build your own rocket from recycled materials then see how high it flies. Class limited to 12, sign-up at the front desk.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated

Campfire: Mountain-Men ~ Historical Interpretation
Saturday, July 19; 8pm-9pm
Travel back in time to the 1820's with modern day mountain-men during this fireside chat. Learn about the history of the fur trade and settlement of the San Bernardino Mountains. Features live tomahawk throwing!
Fee: $5 admission, children 5 & under FREE

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, July 20; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Nature Night
Thursday, July 24; 7pm-8pm
Join us for an evening of education! The Discovery Center is committed to providing FREE evening educational programs to learn about the natural resources of the San Bernardino National Forest.
FREE!

Bluegrass, Bluejeans & Beyond
Saturday, July 26, 2008; 9am-10pm
The San Bernardino National Forest Association and Keller Williams
proudly present the first annual Bluegrass, Bluejeans & Beyond
festival culminating the 10th anniversary of the Discovery Center. Ticket sales benefit Forest Aid, an SBNFA series of fund raising events for forest restoration powered by the Great Seeds Youth Leadership Restoration Team. Scheduled to appear from 10a to 5p are Sligo Rags, Scott Gates & Pacific Ocean Bluegrass Bank, The Mill Creek Boys, South Coast, Bear Bones, Holcomb Valley Boys, Mountain String Band, Phil Christie and the Big Bear Valley CATS Kids. Opening the evening entertainment will be the Ramblin' Rangers, SBNF Rangers, followed by headlining bands, Black Irish Bluegrass Band and Cody Bryant and The Rider of the Purple Sage.
Fee: Tickets are available for the dayfest ($10), eveningfest ($30) and best buy combo day and evening ticket for $35 if purchased by July 7. Only 500 available; tickets go on sale May 3, 2008 at the Discovery Center. Parking is free.

Campfire: Critters of the Forest
Friday, August 1; 7pm-8pm
This presentation will include live animals from our forest! Keepers from Moonridge Animal Park will bring live animals to the Discovery Center and present interesting facts while the audience can see the animals up close.
Fee: $5 Admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Gold Panning
Saturday, August 2; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Campfire: Star Party
Saturday, August 2; 8pm-9pm
Get a chance to view deep sky objects through two powerful telescopes! Your hosts Dr. Frank Murray, Randy Fear and Tim Baggarly will take you on a journey through the night sky. Following a short presentation you will get a chance to view stars, planets, nebulas, and other fascinating objects in the night sky.
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Fitness in the Forest
Sunday, August 3; 9am-10:30am
Get fit this summer with the Discovery Center & Dani McGee's Mountain Fitness Center! This hour and a half program covers various health topics from Certified Nutritionists & Person Fitness Trainers followed by a hiking circuit on local hiking trails with a Discovery Center naturalist. Once a month June -September.
Fee: $30 for all 4 sessions, or $10 per session.
Reservations suggested ~ limited to 10 people.

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, August 3; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Campfire: Native American Storytelling
Friday, August 8; 7pm-8pm
Learn how nature has influenced humans for thousands of years. Get a chance to hear Native American stories with environmental messages around the campfire. Bring your own marshmallows and sticks for roasting.
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Build a Birdhouse
Saturday, August 9; 10am-12pm
Bluebirds will love your yard with this well-designed birdhouse that you can build! We will provide kits for individuals or families to build together during this 2-hour program sponsored by Riffenburgh Lumber Co. Class limited to 20 people, first come first serve.
Fee: $10 per kit

Gold Panning
Saturday, August 9; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Music in the Mountains ~ The Answer
Classic Rock
Saturday, August 9; 5pm-9pm
Looking for a real blast from the past from The Stones to CCR to
The Doors to Cream to The Grassroots? The Answer is Southern California's premiere classic rock experience offering an uncanny facsimile of the best 60s and 70s hits that defined a generation and culture. Their uncanny reproductions of all that's good in classic rock today sets them far above all the competition. With stage energy and witty antics, The Answer will deliver a second knock out show for Big Bear Valley residents and guests. Don't miss their final appearance at the "Amp"; after August 9, they're OUTA HERE!!
Fee: $15 Adult (18+); $10 Teen (13-17); 12 & under FREE

Animal Tracking
Sunday, August 10; 11am-1pm
Come learn how to track animals found in our forest. Learn how tracks are cast and make your very own! Join a naturalist on a short hike around the grounds looking for signs of animals.
Fee: $3

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, August 10; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Old Time Movies ~ Daniel Boone; Season 1; Episodes 1 & 8 with Storytelling
Thursday, August 14; 8pm
Bring the family to enjoy a summer lineup of fabulous old time movies under the pines at 7,000 feet. 7pm gates open; 8pm Showtime. Seating available on a first-come basis, bring your own beach chair.
Free Admission!

Campfire: Critters of the Forest
Friday, August 15; 7pm-8pm
This presentation will include live animals from our forest! Keepers from Moonridge Animal Park will bring live animals to the Discovery Center and present interesting facts while the audience can see the animals up close.
Fee: $5 Admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Greenthumbs Restoration Day
Saturday, August 16; 9am-3pm
Volunteer to assist the Big Bear Ranger Station's Native Plant Nursery and Restoration Program. No experience necessary. Bring hat, sunscreen, your favorite pair of gloves and a sack lunch. Meet at the Big Bear Ranger Station flagpole @ 9am. The Big Bear Ranger Station is located ¼ mile east of the Big Bear Discovery Center. Please call ahead to verify your participation. (909) 382-2827. 9am-3pm
FREE!

Mountain-Man Encampment
Saturday, August 16; 10am-2pm
Come step back in time to the 1820's when Jedediah Smith and his brigade of trappers ventured into the San Bernardino Mountains. Visit with modern day mountain-men, learn about the history of the fur trade and try your hand at tomahawk and knife throwing.
Fee: $3

Gold Panning
Saturday, August 16; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Campfire: Mountain-Men ~ Historical Interpretation
Saturday, August 16; 8pm-9pm
Travel back in time to the 1820's with modern day mountain-men during this fireside chat. Learn about the history of the fur trade and settlement of the San Bernardino Mountains. Features live tomahawk throwing!
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Animal Tracking
Sunday, August 17; 11am-1pm
Come learn how to track animals found in our forest. Learn how tracks are cast and make your very own! Join a naturalist on a short hike around the grounds looking for signs of animals.
Fee: $3

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, August 17; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

History of the Big Bear Valley Lecture
Thursday, August 21; 7pm-8pm
Special lecture by Adam Collings, author of California West of the West!
Note: Adam will be at the August 23 Book Signing event; see below.
FREE!

Campfire: Creatures of the Night ~ Bats!
Friday, August 22; 8pm-9pm
Join Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Linda Stamer for an entertaining slideshow presentation that will dispel common myths about these amazing creatures of the night!
Fee: $5 admission, children 5 & under FREE

Build a Birdhouse
Saturday, August 23; 10am-12pm
Bluebirds will love your yard with this well-designed birdhouse that you can build! We will provide kits for individuals or families to build together during this 2-hour program sponsored by Riffenburgh Lumber Co. Class limited to 20 people, first come first serve.
Fee: $5 per kit

Gold Panning
Saturday, August 23; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Book Signing ~ History of the Big Bear Valley
Saturday, August 23; 1pm-3pm
Adam Collings - California West Of The West
John Robinson - The San Bernardinos and Gateway To Southern California
Ron Core - Big Bear's First 100 Years and Ghost Town School Marm
Pauline LaFuze - Saga of the San Bernardinos
Ann & Farley Olander - Call of the Mountains
Rick Keppler - Vanishing Big Bear, Points Unknown and Empire In The Sky
Lee Cozad - Those Magnificant Mountain Movies and More Magnificant Mountain Movies
Stanley Bellamy and Russell Keller - Arrowhead
The Big Bear Historical Society - Big Bear Yesterday, Place Names of the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Panorama, and Recipes - Past, Present & Future
FREE!

Campfire: Star Party
Saturday, August 23; 8pm-9pm
Get a chance to view deep sky objects through two powerful telescopes! Your hosts Dr. Frank Murray, Randy Fear and Tim Baggarly will take you on a journey through the night sky. Following a short presentation you will get a chance to view stars, planets, nebulas, and other fascinating objects in the night sky.
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, August 24; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Nature Night
Thursday, August 28; 7pm-8pm
Join us for an evening of education! The Discovery Center is committed to providing FREE evening educational programs to learn about the natural resources of the San Bernardino National Forest.
FREE!

Campfire: Critters of the Forest
Friday, August 29; 7-8pm
This presentation will include live animals from our forest! Keepers from Moonridge Animal Park will bring live animals to the Discovery Center and present interesting facts while the audience can see the animals up close.
Fee: $5 Admission, Children 5 & under FREE

Gold Panning
Saturday, August 30; 11am-12pm
Come learn how to pan for gold! Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The "gold" is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3

Pinecone Birdfeeders
Saturday, August 30; 1pm-3pm
Calling all kids! We will be making pinecone birdfeeders. Birds will flock to your yard with this well crafted simple feeder.
FREE, Donations appreciated

Music in the Mountains ~James Curry
A Tribute to the Music of John Denver
Saturday, August 30; 5pm-9pm ~ FINALE!!
Jim has amazed John Denver fans with his uncanny natural
ability to mirror 'Impersonator', he is so natural, now I'm a Jim Curry Fan". As a ticketholder, you will be treated to a night of heartfelt music and invited to sing along. The blending of time-tested hits along with new songs offers up a show that children, parents and grandparents can all enjoy together. Jim appeared at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center in '07; he's returning to the Valley one more time on the Discovery Center Amphitheater stage.
Don't miss his final show!
Fee: $20 Adult (18+); $10 Teen (13-17); 12 & under FREE

Animal Tracking
Sunday, August 31; 11am-1pm
Come learn how to track animals found in our forest. Learn how tracks are cast and make your very own! Join a naturalist on a short hike around the grounds looking for signs of animals.
Fee: $3

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, August 31; 1pm-2pm
Become a Discovery Center Junior Forest Ranger! During this 1-hour interpretive program you will learn orientation and identification skills you need to become a forest ranger. Children completing the course will receive a San Bernardino National Forest Badge along with a take home activity book. Ages 7-13.
Fee: $8

Campfire: Native American Storytelling
Sunday, August 31; 7pm-8pm
Learn how nature has influenced humans for thousands of years. Get a chance to hear Native American stories with environmental messages around the campfire. Bring your own marshmallows and sticks for roasting.
Fee: $5 admission, Children 5 & under FREE

We have a very dynamic schedule of events happening at the Discovery Center. Please call us for information on newly-added events and tours. We look forward to scheduling tours and special events for your private parties and school groups. Call (909) 382-2794 for details.