In the Fall of 1984, a group of volunteers who had been working on an individual basis decided to form a volunteer organization. They had been volunteering with minimal supervision and guidance from the Forest Service. The Forest Service had many needs which it felt could best be met by organizing a volunteer association. The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association was officially born in the spring of 1985.

Operating under Forest Service standards, the volunteers have been providing quality recreation experiences and educating the visitors to the Descanso District of the Cleveland National Forest. In 1986, LMVA officially incorporated as the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association, Inc, a California 501 (c) (3) accredited non-profit organization. Our core mission and purpose over the years has been sustained by a membership with common goals and a deep appreciation of our natural resources and the beauty of our local mountains.

LMVA members staff the Visitor Information Center (VIC) and handle sales of Adventure Passes, books, maps, and forest-related items, and answer questions. The VIC is open on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday and Sunday throughout the entire year. In addition to wildlife displays, the Center contains information on the indigenous Kumeyaay people, rock and mining displays, and information on Fire Ecology. People from all over the world have stopped in. A map in the VIC has pins stuck on the home countries of VIC visitors. There is even a pin on Antarctica! Whether engaging youngsters or adults, the VIC provides lots of opportunities to learn, share and interact with our Forest visitors. To speak with a volunteer during open hours, please call 619-473-8547.