Big Bear’s internet famous bald eagles have entertained millions. Now they need millions to save their home

Jackie and Shadow became live-cam stars thanks to the work of a former NASA employee. Their habitat is now at the center of a development debate.

[Photo: Friends of Big Bear Valley]

Jackie, the world-famous Big Bear bald eagle, has been melting hearts and educating the public about her species since 2015, thanks to a web camera run by the California nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).

A little more than 10 years later, her admirers have the chance to give back.

FOBBV and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) have teamed up to raise money to purchase the property with the goal of preserving the open space. These 62 acres, located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, are vital not only for Jackie but also for her mate Shadow and their offspring.

Developer RCK Properties wants to put 50 custom homes and 55 boat slips instead, in a project dubbed Moon Camp. In order to prevent this, $10 million must be raised in six months, with a July 31 deadline.

Adding another layer of complexity, Sandy Steers, the former executive director of FOBBV, a director of the land trust, and a driving force behind the purchase deal, passed away shortly after finalizing the agreement.

Fast Company sat down with Jenny Voisard, media and website manager at FOBBV, and Peter Jorris, president of the land trust. The pair discussed how this purchase would benefit the environment, the current state of their fundraising efforts, and the history of Bald Eagles in Big Bear.

The fight to preserve Moon Camp

The land trust was formed in 1995 when residents banded together to stop another development. FOBBV was formed under similar circumstances in 2001, to fight against the development of the Moon Camp property.

John Summit's rise from accountant to DJ

© Fast Company