The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is an animal rehabilitation facility that is nestled in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest. RJM was a part of the design team responsible for developing a brand new animal care facility on a new parcel in close proximity to the original facility. Working directly with the lead consultant zoo designers, RJM carefully designed a landscape that not only served as a beautiful backdrop to the new facility, but also a botanical garden that would teach visitors how native plants and animals interact. Special attention had to be taken in crafting a precise list of plant material that would not only thrive in the unique alpine lake climate, but also be pyrophytic (fireproof) due to potential wildfires, and non-toxic to the animals and visitors alike. The final product was a beautiful natural habitat for recovering wildlife while serving as a biological learning center for all generations and for years to come.