The OWAC 2022 Visit Big Bear spring conference allowed California Watchable Wildlife to share the history and goals of our program with Visit Big Bear and Chirp Nature Center at the Supporting Members marketplace. California Watchable Wildlife celebrates the state’s wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing to benefit individuals, families, communities, and industries while fostering awareness and support for conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats. We continue to seek out and embrace partners throughout California who share our mission. Visit Big Bear and Chirp Nature Centers are two such partners. We are thankful for their support and look forward to sharing their stories and updates.
Big Bear Lake, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, ranges in elevation from 6,750 feet to 9,000 feet. Wildlife flourishes in the alpine environment. The area is home to bald eagles, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and numerous other species. Some 29 species of rare plants, ten of which are indigenous to the area, are protected in the valley. Big Bear is home to one of our Nation’s few solar observatories and an alpine zoo for injured wildlife. We specialize in outdoor recreation including fishing, water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, winter sports, wildlife viewing, and more. With winter snow, spring colors, summer sun, and fall foliage, Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s four-season resort. Follow @VisitBigBear.
In 2018, Chirp Nature Center began its mission to connect people to nature using wild birds as inspiration. Since then, they have continually served their community, formed valuable relationships with customers, and supported all their feathered friends. The California Wildlife Photo of the Year 2022 and Outdoor California are happy to welcome their newest sponsor Chirp Nature Centers. Located in Big Bear Lake, they provide a wide range of birding and nature supplies — seed, books, houses, and feeders. Bird walk and talk events, crafts, nature talks, and more. Our Wildlife Photo of the Year 2022 top winners will receive gift cards to shop online or in person. Follow @chirpforbirds on social media, or browse and buy online.
There are many valuable educational programs that take place at wildlife viewing sites around the state that foster awareness and support for California’s wildlife and habitats. With diverse land ownership and management of premium wildlife viewing sites in the state, which includes federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations, this is the only central database for viewing sites throughout California. Visit Big Bear and Chirp are helping us grow!
