Author: Loren Lake

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BIG PINES VISITOR CENTER

Good news: although the Bridge Fire tragically burned through our area, Task Force 3 from AZ and ANF Patrol 38 and 35 were able to protect/save our building.

Big Pines Visitor Center is now open (as of 10/18/2024)

Forest Closure – As of October 17, 2024, the ANF has issued a new Bridge Fire Area Closure Order covering National Forest System roads, trails and other facilities impacted by the Bridge Fire.  Many of these areas will be closed for public safety and to facilitate recovery of the natural resources and landscape affected by this wildfire.  For specifics, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles – Alerts & Warnings Bridge Fire Area Closure

Located in a historical stonework building, the visitor center is located at the intersection of Hwy 2 and N-4, four miles west of the town of Wrightwood.

Staffing the visitor center on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VANF members are here to help with hiking, camping, and other suggestions; Adventure Passes are for sale.

Couched within this 1920’s facility, are a selection of great interpretive items – including a taxidermied mountain lion and bear.

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COME, JOIN US, BE A PART OF THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

The Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest are staffing the Big Pines Visitor Center – located 4 miles west of Wrightwood – on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While answering questions about hiking and camping, and selling Adventure Passes, they invite visitors to enjoy their historic building including displays of local animals and birds, maps, and pictures of the area.

As a volunteer,  when working at the center, you are committing to one weekend day a month and attending a monthly membership meeting.

Initial training is provided and ongoing training occurs at the monthly membership meeting at 7pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month in Wrightwood.

We welcome volunteers 18 years and older.

If you would like to join our team or would like more information, please email vanf.big.pines@gmail.com or visit us at the Big Pines Visitor Center.

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SCHOOL PROGRAM

School Field Trips are on hold until ? (Why: The Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest, having provided fieldtrip opportunities at the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center for over a decade, were requested to move 2 miles east to the historical Big Pines Information Center.  We moved our displays and since then have been open to serve the public on Saturdays and Sundays, and some holidays, from 10-4 pm.  Unfortunately, the volunteers involved in running the school program are no longer with us.  If you would be interested in rebuilding and adapting our fieldtrip program to the Big Pines setting, please join our membership!)

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TRASH IN THE FOREST

Bears and other animals live in our forest and trash pick up is minimal or non-existent. Please use bear trashcans and dumpsters, or take your trash home with you.

Carry in, carry out.