Ask a Local

People who choose to live and work in Big Bear are passionate about the place they call home. Business owner Daniel Morello is among the community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who have rallied behind the Care For Big Bear initiative. A resident for more than 20 years, the avid hiker, dirt biker, and paddleboarder explains why it matters and how easy it is to get involved and make a positive impact.

Q: Why did Big Bear need an initiative like Care For Big Bear?

A: A few years ago, we started seeing more disrespect to the area. When I saw that trash was becoming an issue, I wanted to correct it. It was impossible to overlook. Some people saw Big Bear like a city park; they expected someone to clean up after them. But that’s not how it works here.

Q: Why are you so passionate about the project?

A: This program encourages everyone to be more respectful and responsible. This is a finite area with finite resources. Now, we’re able to look down the line and make sure we’re preserving this land.

Q: What kind of impact has Care For Big Bear made on the Valley?

A: As the Care For Big Bear program grows each year, more visitors—not just us locals—are getting involved. The changes are quite apparent, the forest and the lakeshore look amazing!

Q: How can visitors do their part?

A: Helping out is as simple as bringing a bag and picking up trash on your next hike.

CARE & SHARE

Tag @careforbigbear so we can share how you #careforbigbear when you're here.

Take Out The Trash

DISPOSE OF YOUR TRASH AT THESE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED DUMPSTER SITES:

• Aspen Glen Picnic Area

• Bartlett Parking Lot

• Cougar Crest Trailhead

• Juniper Point Picnic Area

• Woodland Trailhead

Industry Recognition

Visit Big Bear was awarded Visit California’s 2022 Poppy Award for Destination Stewardship & Sustainable Travel, a credit to Care For Big Bear's success.

Shop Smart

STOP BY THE BIG BEAR VISITOR CENTER TO PURCHASE A C.A.R.E. KIT and #careforbigbear merch. All proceeds from the sale of these goods fund community-wide clean-up initiatives.

Bears Everywhere

We love our bears! Keep an eye out during your trip, and you’ll see carved wooden bear statues and signposts everywhere around town.

Natural Wonders

Mother Nature is the star attraction in Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Lake is surrounded by the vast San Bernardino National Forest. Get acquainted with its flora and fauna (including dozens of protected rare plants) at the U.S. Forest Service’s Big Bear Discovery Center, where free walking tours are offered on weekends. Bald eagles, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes are among the wildlife species that flourish in this alpine environment. Injured, orphaned, and imprinted wildlife from the local area and around the world get rehabilitated at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The zoo gives the public a rare opportunity to see creatures like arctic foxes, grizzly bears, and snowy owls up close, and to learn how we can work together to keep nature wild.