The Big Bear
Discovery Center is


  • Big Bear Discovery Center
  • 40971 North Shore Dr. (Hwy 38)
  • P.O. Box 66
  • Fawnskin, California  92338
    (909)866-3437

SUMMER 2008

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!


International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 10

Join the Center in celebrating this national bird day by participating in one of our fun birding activities that are great for the whole family. Schedule is listed below.

Build a Bird House! 10am-12pm; $10 per kit.
We will provide kits for individuals or families to build together during this 2-hour program. Class limited to 20 people, first come first serve.
Animal Tracking. 11am-1pm; $3.
Come learn how to track animals found in the forest. Learn how tracks are cast and make your very own.
Bird Walks. 1pm & 2pm. FREE!
Join a Discovery Center Naturalist on 45 minute bird walk along the Baker Pond board walk. Meet at the corner of Stanfield Blvd. and Big Bear Blvd.
Suet Workshop. 1pm-2pm. $5.
After a short discussion you will get a chance to make your own suet, take home recipe and a suet cake. Class limited to 10, first come, first serve.
Pinecone Birdfeeders. 1pm-3pm. FREE!
Calling all kids! We will be making pine cone birdfeeders.
Bird Bingo; All day. FREE!
Get a card form a Discovery Center Naturalist and go birding on your own, once completed hand your bingo card into to receive a prize.

Mother’s Day Wilderness Wildflower Tour
Sunday, May 11; 9:30am-12pm

Come see some of the best flower displays in the mountains! Give mom the treat of seeing flowers growing in the forest on this very special Mother’s Day tour! On this trip, you will learn about flower and plant ecology; hike for spectacular views and flower displays; and have the opportunity to take unmatched photographs. Bring your camera and hiking shoes, and you will be handsomely rewarded! Tours include Arrowhead water and snacks. Space limited to 12; reservations recommended.
Fee: Adults $30; Children (8 to 16) $20

Greenthumbs Restoration Day
Saturday, May 17; 9am-3pm

Volunteer to assist the Big Bear Ranger Station's Native Plant Nursery and Restoration Program. 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.
FREE!

Nature Night ~ Fishing Big Bear Lake
Thursday, May 22; 7pm-8pm

Having trouble Fishing? Attend this informational session to learn about the different fish in Big Bear Lake and learn the best spots to go from local fishing expert Cliff Fowler.
FREE!

Build a Birdhouse
Saturday, May 24; 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, May 24; 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

Animal Tracking
Sunday, May 25; 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, May 25; 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
Friday, May 30; 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, May 31; 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 PianoMan, Mike Cross
Americana
Saturday, May 31; 5pm-9pm

The PianoMan returns to the Discovery Center Amphitheater as a one-man show to perform his fun and entertaining evening of
Americana playing decades of pop tunes from ragtime to rap while involving his audience.
Fee: $5 Admission; 12 and under free
Ticket holders for Rained Out Labor Day Event 2007 Enter free

Fitness in the Forest
Sunday, June 1; 9am-10:30

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, June 1; 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

Movie Night ~ Dr. Doolittle
Thursday, June 5; 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, June 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!

National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7; 8am-3pm

Volunteer to assist the San Bernardino National Forest Association maintain the Children's Forest Exploration Trail. This 4 mile trail is a beautiful hiking and biking trail and needs repair from winter conditions and lots of use. No experience necessary. Bring hat, sunscreen and your favorite pair of gloves. Meet at the Children's Forest Interpretive Loop located toward the top of Keller Peak Rd. For more information or to verify your participation, call (909) 382-2794. Lunch will be provided for all your hard work! Hope to see you out on the trail!
FREE!

Mountain-Man Encampment
Saturday, June 7; 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, June 7; 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, June 7; 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, June 8; 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

Hiking, Biking and Climbing Lecture
Thursday, June 12; 7pm-8pm

Join Scott Hoffman, author of the much anticipated new edition of Climbing Routes of Southern California's Big Bear Valley, for an exciting presentation about all the fabulous climbing areas in the San Bernardino Mountains.
FREE!

Campfire: Creatures of the Night ~ Bats!
Friday, June 13; 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, June 14; 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, June 14; 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 ~ Hiking, Biking & Climbing
Saturday, June 14; 1pm-3pm

Scott Hoffman - Climbing Routes Of Big Bear
Jim Hickman - Big Bear Trails
FREE!

Music in the Mountains ~ The Long Run
A Tribute o the Eagles
Saturday, June 14; 5pm-9pm

The Long Run was formed in 1999 in Los Angeles by a group of
well-rounded professional musicians with a love of harmony and a
deep respect for one of the greatest rock bands of all times. They
quickly became regarded as the finest Eagles tribute band in the
country by consistently delivering a love of harmony and deep
lush instrumental arrangements that made The Eagles an
unforgettable part of rock history. The Long Run continues to
successfully blend the classic Eagles sound into their own genuine
live performance style, delighting audiences young and old with
faithful recreations of some of the best music ever written.
Fee: $15 Adult (18+); $10 Teen (13-17); 12 & under FREE

Animal Tracking
Sunday, June 15; 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, June 15; 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

JazzTrax
Friday - Sunday, June 20-22

Go to jazztrax.com for tickets & complete event info The JazzTrax event returns to the Big Bear Valley, only this year, staged all three days at the Discovery Center Amphitheater. The series will feature:
June 20; 8:00pm start
~ Saxophonist Eric Darius
June 21; 3:30pm start
~ Guitarist Jay Soto ~ Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner ~ Keiko Matsui
June 22; 2:30pm start
~ Guitarist Steve Oliver ~ Saxophonist Paul Taylor ~ Euge Groove

Greenthumbs Restoration Day
Saturday, June 21; 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!

Gold Panning
Saturday, June 21; 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, June 21; 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

Jazztrax
Saturday, June 21; 8pm

Please visit www.jazztrax.com for ticket information.

Junior Forest Ranger
Sunday, June 22; 1p-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: Fluorescent Minerals
Thursday, June 26; 7pm-8pm

Have you ever seen a rock that glows in the dark? Join Geologist Howard Brown from Omya Mining Company for a presentation on the geology and fluorescent minerals found at the White Knob Quarry in Lucerne Valley.
FREE!

Campfire: Star Party
Friday, June 27; 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

Build a Birdhouse
Saturday, June 28; 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, June 28; 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

Animal Tracking
Sunday, June 29; 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, June 29; 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

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

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.

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

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

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, 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.