SCMF is honored to stand alongside nonprofits from throughout the region at the YAWA Awards hosted by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
We are grateful to attend a beautiful celebration of nonprofit organizations, educators, and service providers working to create meaningful impact within our communities.
“YAWA,” meaning beliefs into action, serves as a powerful reminder that real change happens when values are lived through service, education, stewardship, and community connection. We are grateful to have been included among so many inspiring organizations dedicated to making a difference.
#followyouryawa #yawaawards #community #scmf #sanmanuel
Community, conservation, and creativity all in one place. Recently the UCC was out supporting a local annual plant sale while the little ones created heartfelt gifts for their Mothers. UCC educators are also sharing information about programs, outdoor education opportunities, and unforgettable trips to the mountains with the public all day long.
A beautiful day to connect with our community and inspire the next generation to explore the outdoors.
This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. @castateparks
#ucc #outdoorequity #sanbernardino #castateparks #corpsimpact
Recently Corpsmembers trained and earned certification in a Basic Tree Climbing Course through GTS Training Services. Throughout the week, the crew learned how to properly assemble body harnesses, operate rope climbing systems, practice safe tie-offs and knot work, and apply these techniques through hands-on instruction with experienced trainers.
These certifications do more than build technical skills, they open doors to future careers in forestry, conservation, fire prevention, and outdoor workforce development. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, focus, and perseverance this cohort showed every step of the way. Thank you @calfire@calfirebdu for your teachings and continued support!
#ucc #calfire #treetraining #corpsimpact #corpsstrength
Chainsaws, teamwork, and wildfire prep.
Last week, the Urban Conservation Corps hit the ground at the Roberta Dewey Discovery Center. THC walked the crew through reducing the fire load on the Pinyon Pines, clearing out 7 dead trees in a single day.
Good collaboration makes big projects move fast. 🤝
#PumaCanyon #UrbanConservationCorps #FireResiliency #PinyonPines #LandManagement
From classroom to conservation in action. This week, SCMF’s team of UCC educators headed out into the field to help plant native milkweed and deepen their hands-on understanding of habitat restoration and pollinator conservation.
A huge thank you to Transitional Habitat @transition.habitat  for sharing their knowledge, passion, and field education with our team. Opportunities like these help strengthen the connection between environmental education and real-world stewardship across our public lands.
This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. @castateparks
#outdoorequity #corpsimpact #corpsstrength #scmf #calstateparks
The Southern California Mountains Foundation’s Urban Conservation Corps is recruiting Corpsmembers in the Coachella Valley.
This 12-month paid job training program gives young adults the opportunity to gain real-world experience in conservation, sustainability, restoration, recycling efforts, public lands stewardship, and community service throughout Riverside County and beyond.
From restoring natural spaces to supporting large-scale recycling efforts at events like Coachella and Stagecoach, Corpsmembers gain valuable skills while making a direct impact on the environment and their local communities.
Requirements:
• Ages 18–26
• Riverside County resident
If you’re passionate about the outdoors, looking to build job skills, make connections, and be part of something bigger, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today at MountainsFoundation.org
#UrbanConservationCorps #CoachellaValley #RiversideCounty #ConservationJobs
This Mother’s Day weekend and every weekend after, discover the magic of nature together at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Bring the whole family to explore our ever-changing events calendar filled with hands-on interactivities, guided nature experiences, and opportunities to connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways. From building pinecone bird feeders and birdhouses to learning about wildlife tracks, local animals, forest ecosystems, and the beautiful trails that surround Big Bear Lake, there is always something new to discover for all ages.
This weekend, we’re celebrating one of spring’s most beloved signs of the season: migratory birds. Come learn about the incredible birds returning to our mountains, participate in bird-themed activities, and deepen your connection to the wildlife that calls Big Bear home.
After your adventures, stop by our nature-themed gift shop featuring unique treasures, educational gifts, books, toys, and outdoor-inspired goodies for kids and adults alike.
#bigbearlake #migratorybirds #shoplocal #bigbeardiscoverycenter #bigbear
We are happy to announce our Corpsmembers of the Month for April, first from San Bernardino is David Rivera, he says, “Hi, my name is David Rivera and I am 18 years old from Rialto, CA. I have been with the Corps for 6 months. I enjoy working at the Corps because it gives you work and life experience while allowing you to gain certifications and expand your tool knowledge. Others should join to gain experience working outdoors and explore different career paths they might enjoy. I also enjoy collaborating with and meeting all types of people and connecting with others who share similar goals to mine.”Congratulations, David, and thank you for all your hard work and dedication!
Next is our Corpsmember of the month Roberto Vaquera from the Coachella site. Roberto returned to UCC in early February and is doing a great job! Here’s a little bit more about Roberto. “I am 21 years old. I’m originally from Mexico City and live in Thermal. I have been with the UCC coming up on three months. I enjoy working on a lot of projects and it feels good doing something good for the environment. Others should join because there’s a lot of skills to learn and it’s a great job.
I enjoy working with other corpsmembers. It’s pretty chill and I’m learning a lot about people. The advice I would give new corpsmembers or people thinking about joining is, take every opportunity the UCC offers.
I would like to add, if I had the opportunity to stay at the UCC for a third year, I would stay!”
Thank you so much to each crew and Corpsmember for showing up and putting in the work - everything you do makes a lasting impact and we are grateful for you!!
This week, the Urban Conservation Corps joined us here at the Roberta Dewey Discovery Center!
Pictured here at the center, this amazing crew helped our staff and volunteers get 54 milkweed plants in the ground at Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve. They also cleared 7 dead trees to help reduce fire risk—all in a single day! From improving monarch butterfly habitat to boosting fire resiliency, it was an incredible team effort. 🦋🔥
#PumaCanyon #UrbanConservationCorps #MonarchButterfly #FireResiliency #HabitatRestoration
Join the Southern California Mountains Foundation and the US Forest Service Native Plant Nursery on May 16th from 9AM–1PM in Running Springs as we prepare the nursery for a new season of restoration work. From organizing and planting to caring for native species that support local ecosystems, this is a hands-on volunteer opportunity that directly benefits our public lands.
Whether you’re a longtime plant lover, looking to learn more about restoration, or simply want to spend a meaningful morning outdoors with good people, we would love to have you there.
RSVP required so we can plan tools and staffing.
Sign up through the Eventbrite link: /e/1984914734403?aff=oddtdtcreatoror email: [email protected]
#volunteer #usfs #nursery #sanbernardinomountains #scmf
Strawberry and Morton Peak Fire Lookouts officially go into service on 5/1/26 for the 2026 Fire season. In preparation they have been undergoing some touch ups. Strawberry had the old carpet removed and it was discovered the 1950’s era linoleum floor underneath was in good order, just needing a clean and polish, so we opted to leave it in place instead of replacing it.
Over on the Morton Peak side, the cab flooring that was replaced a few weeks is now being complemented by an exterior repaint. The superstructure is being painted in the original battleship gray. The old picnic table that was damaged in the Line Fire is also being replaced by a new concrete one.
A big thanks as always to the Tower Leaders and the volunteer teams that make this possible.
Butler Peak is waiting for some road repairs to be completed and will hopefully be in service in the coming weeks.
#ffla #firelookouts #scmf #usfs #wildfireresilient
UCCIE and the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC) @californialocalcorps were proud to present @seneloisereyes Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes with the Senate Champion Award in Sacramento.
She has been a powerful advocate for workforce development and conservation, both in her community and across California. We are grateful for her leadership and support that makes a difference for the thousands of young people the corps represent as they step into meaningful green careers.
#UCCIE #CALCC #ConservationCorps #WorkforceDevelopment #OutdoorEquity
