Big Bear Lake, CA, July 2, 2014 - With year round recreation, the San Bernardino National Forest is one of the busiest in the country. But with more visitors comes extra litter, and the Forest Service is asking for public cooperation in keeping the area garbage-free. Some environmental effects are obvious. Plastics take decades to disintegrate and aluminum cans last in the … [Read more...] about Critters vs. Litter
Environment
The Ongoing Evolution of Stanfield Marsh
Big Bear Lake, CA, June 21, 2014 - A favorite scenic spot in Big Bear is the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Habitat that extends east from Stanfield Cutoff. Visitors can park in the southwest corner, stop by the wooden gazebo acting as an informational kiosk, then stroll along the water on the wooden walkway. The wooden walkway has a dual purpose: to encourage … [Read more...] about The Ongoing Evolution of Stanfield Marsh
Civic Center Going Solar
Big Bear Lake, CA, June 12, 2014 - The City of Big Bear Lake received a Dept. of Energy grant for solar demonstration projects and already have one project up and running and another one in the works. Currently, solar equipment has been running continuously since March on a warm storage building in the Public Works Yard and will generate an energy savings of $56,000 this … [Read more...] about Civic Center Going Solar
Mistletoe: Parasite & Provider
San Bernardino Mountains, CA, June 7, 2014 - According to an old Scandinavian Christmas custom, a couple who meets under hanging mistletoe is obliged to kiss. But mistletoe's function in the forest is actually less romantic: as a parasite, it attaches to the branches of a host tree or shrub, and absorbs water and nutrients from the host plant. There are six different species … [Read more...] about Mistletoe: Parasite & Provider
Fire Danger, More Typical of Late Summer
Big Bear, CA, June 6, 2014 - Since November 1, 2013, many areas in California have received less than half their normal precipitation, resulting in very dry brush. As of Memorial Day weekend, there have been more than 1,700 wildfires in California since the start of the year, which have burned more than 15,000 acres. Compared to the five year average, that is nearly double the … [Read more...] about Fire Danger, More Typical of Late Summer