Big Bear Valley, CA, April 26, 2014 - Happy anniversary to the Big Bear Municipal Water District (MWD), which turns 50 this year! The agency was founded in 1964 to stabilize the water levels for wildlife and recreation in southern California’s most popular lake. When Bear Valley Mutual Water Company constructed the original Bear Valley Dam in 1884, it was to create a reservoir … [Read more...] about Municipal Water District Turns 50 This Year
Recreation
The Road to Big Bear
Big Bear, CA, April 26, 2014 - The first road into the San Bernardino Mountains, which was really just a trail, was built by the Mormons in 1852 and ascended Waterman Canyon. Big Bear Lake was created in 1885 and the only way up, other than a pack trail up Santa Ana Canyon, was a long arduous trip up Cushenbury Grade. To get to the Grade, visitors first had to travel over Cajon … [Read more...] about The Road to Big Bear
Pebble Plain Habitat… Only in Big Bear
Big Bear Valley, CA, April 12, 2014 - When the glaciers receded during the Pleistocene Age, they created unique open areas covered with miniature rare plants found only in Big Bear. These areas are known as pebble plains and have a soil composition of quartzite pebbles, deposited over eons, which prevent conifers from taking seed, thus preserving this ancient habitat for many … [Read more...] about Pebble Plain Habitat… Only in Big Bear
From Wildlife Habitat to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear, CA, March 29, 2014 - In 1959 a forest fire engulfed the San Bernardino National Forest and in the aftermath, several injured animals were found that required care. A makeshift hospital and rehabilitation area called the Wildlife Habitat was set up where the zoo is currently located. Two bobcats and an orphaned baby black bear were the first residents of the future … [Read more...] about From Wildlife Habitat to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills!
Big Bear, CA, March 15, 2014 - In 1848, gold was discovered in northern California which brought thousands of people to the state from all over the world. One of these people was Bill Holcomb who tried his luck up north, but quickly decided to head to southern California. He heard rumors of gold in Big Bear Valley, but wasn't sure how to get there. He and his … [Read more...] about There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills!