Memorial Day weekend sees the kickoff of the busy summer season at Big Bear Discovery Center, with the new Wild West Storyfest and the return of favorites tours and programs, but there’s plenty going on before the holiday too.

    It all adds up to a busy month at the Discovery Center, Big Bear’s recreation destination and the place to find everything from local hiking information and maps to permits and Adventure Passes. Every Saturday and Sunday features free Nature Walks at 1 and 2 p.m. around Discovery Center’s forested grounds with a naturalist, 30-minute adventures perfect for the entire family.

Discovery Center celebrates International Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 10 with an array of bird-related activities for the whole family from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Children will enjoy “Bird Bingo” and parents will learn how to make their own suet. Spotting scopes will be trained on feeders for close-ups of our feathered friends, and away from the Center there’s a guided bird walk along the Baker Pond boardwalk to see abundant waterfowl.

    Build your own bird house from 10 a.m.-noon for $5 per kit, while youngsters enjoy animal tracking from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $3. From 1-3 p.m. learn how to make pine cone bird feeders.

    Don’t give mom flowers for Mother’s Day...take her to them! Discovery Center hosts its popular Wilderness Wildflower Tours on Sunday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Tours visit nearby burn areas and see firsthand the critical role fire plays in forest ecology.

    Learn about plant ecology, hike for spectacular views and some of the best flower displays in these mountains, and get ready to take unmatched photographs. Big Bear Valley has the highest concentration of unique and endemic plant species in the continental United States, as its unique geologic history, combined with unique desert and alpine ecosystems, creates diverse habitats.

    Most famous of these is the Pebble Plain, where heavy clay soils mixed with quartzite pebbles creates an environment too harsh for most species, yet many specialized wildflowers found here and nowhere else are able to flourish.

    The tour includes Arrowhead water and snacks and costs $30, $20 ages 8-16.

    Memorial Day weekend is when Discovery Center’s season really heats up with the return of Grout Bay Canoe Tours, and with the lake near full the paddling should be spectacular for another year. The leisurely two-hour tours are led by naturalists who instruct even raw beginners on the fine art of paddling. Then the group heads out to the water in search of beaver, great blue herons and baby ducks, and wildlife should be abundant.

    Along the way paddlers learn about the history of the lake, gold mining, and the various animals found here. Tours are held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 23-August 31, and the $25 cost ($15 ages 6-16) includes canoe rental, water and snack.

    For early morning fun catch Kayaking Tours. Head out to Grout Bay after a quick paddling lesson when the lake is calm and tranquil in search of wildlife, sights and sites. Outings, which begin May 24 and continue through Aug. 31, are from 8:30-10:30 are participants must be at least age 10—younger kids will have trouble paddling so each needs to be accompanied by adult. Cost is $25, $15 ages 10-16.

    The holiday weekend also features hands-on activities for the whole family. On Saturday build a birdhouse from 10 a.m.-noon, pan for gold from 11 a.m.-noon, or take a free nature walk at 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday features animal tracking from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jr. Forest Ranger programs in which youngsters can earn their own badge from 1-2 p.m., and nature walks.

    “Music in the Mountains” summer concert series in the Discovery Center’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater opens with the first show on May 31, featuring “Piano Man” Mike Cross and a discounted ticket price of just five bucks, 12 and under free. Cross is a magician on the keyboards who has brought music to life for Catz in the Hatz. Bring a blanket and food or there’s Americana food for purchase and enjoy great entertainment under the stars! Beer, wine and soft drinks are available—no outside beverages. Gate opens at 5:30 p.m. with shows starting at 7.

    Subsequent shows feature a tribute to the Eagles by The Long Run on June 14, Cajun country by DooWah Riders on July 5, and western with Belinda Gail and Curly Musgrave on July 12. The Answer plays classic rock on Aug. 9 and on Aug. 30 it’s James Curry’s tribute to John Denver.

    Call Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 866-3437.