The land bald eagles Jackie and Shadow depend on for their survival will remain intact, thanks to a monumental fundraising effort that has secured the future of a vital ecosystem in Big Bear Valley. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the non-profit organization renowned for its 24/7 live camera feed of the iconic eagle pair, announced on Friday that it had successfully reached its ambitious goal of raising $10 million. This sum will be used to purchase a critical parcel of land known as Moon Camp, situated in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The extraordinary achievement was propelled forward by a substantial $5.5 million donation from Anna and Greg Brockman, pushing the campaign past its target ahead of the July 31 deadline. Greg Brockman is a prominent figure in the technology sector, serving as the co-founder and President of OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking artificial intelligence model, ChatGPT. Prior to the Brockmans’ generous contribution, the campaign had already garnered significant support, with over 25,000 individual donations contributing nearly half of the required funds, demonstrating a widespread public commitment to conservation.
A Community United for Conservation
The successful fundraising initiative represents a remarkable confluence of public passion, technological innovation, and philanthropic commitment. For years, Jackie and Shadow have captivated audiences worldwide through the live webcams, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives, from the delicate process of nest building and egg incubation to the challenges of raising their eaglets. This connection fostered a deep sense of stewardship among viewers, who rallied to protect the eagles’ home.
"Greg and I are grateful to all those who championed saving the home of these majestic eagles, Jackie and Shadow," Anna Brockman stated in a press release. "Like many people around the world, we love watching them be amazing partners to one another and raise their young. They inspire perseverance and a sense of connectedness to something greater, to nature. We are proud to be supportive. We are so appreciative of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust and everyone who came together to preserve this incredible ecosystem, the life it will help sustain, and the forest that will be protected for generations to come."
The urgency to acquire Moon Camp stemmed from its persistent targeting by developers aiming for luxury housing and marina projects over the past two decades. This critical area, located less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow’s nest, plays an indispensable role in the eagles’ survival. It directly borders a section of Big Bear Lake that serves as the primary fishing ground for the eagles and their chicks, providing a crucial food source.
The Ecological Significance of Moon Camp
Beyond its importance to the bald eagle population, Moon Camp is an ecological treasure trove. The land boasts an undisturbed forest ecosystem that provides sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including various bird species and squirrels. Furthermore, it is the sole known habitat for the ash-gray indian paintbrush ( Castilleja cinerea ), a rare and threatened endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth. The preservation of Moon Camp ensures the continued existence of this unique botanical wonder and the broader biodiversity it supports.
The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, a long-standing conservation organization, has been instrumental in the land acquisition efforts. The organization, along with FOBBV, had been in negotiations with the land’s owner, RCK Properties, to secure a purchase agreement. This agreement, however, was struck under poignant circumstances.
Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy
The campaign to save Moon Camp was a deeply personal passion project for Sandy Steers, the former executive director of FOBBV and a fervent advocate for Jackie and Shadow. Steers passed away on February 11, following a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong wildlife activist, Steers was instrumental in launching the live eagle cams in 2015 and served as FOBBV’s resident bald eagle expert, dedicating her life to the protection of these magnificent birds and their habitat.
"Sandy passed away right after the agreement was signed, so we’re doing this in her honor," Jenny Voisard, media manager for FOBBV, shared in a previous interview with Popular Science. "She put all of that on her shoulders because she wanted to save everything." Steers’s unwavering dedication and vision laid the groundwork for the successful fundraising campaign, and her memory serves as a powerful inspiration for the conservation community.
Voisard further expressed her gratitude: "We are beyond grateful for the tireless support of so many people these past six months. This is a special community that has a real love for Jackie and Shadow’s wellbeing along with nature."
A Timeline of Conservation Efforts
The journey to save Moon Camp involved a concerted and strategic approach:
- Over two decades: Moon Camp, the target parcel of land, has been eyed by developers for luxury housing and marina projects.
- 2015: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) launches its 24/7 live eagle webcam, introducing Jackie and Shadow to a global audience.
- Early 2026: Sandy Steers, then executive director of FOBBV, and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust negotiate a limited purchase agreement with the land’s owner, RCK Properties.
- February 11, 2026: Sandy Steers passes away after a battle with cancer, leaving a profound legacy of conservation advocacy.
- Following Steers’s passing: The fundraising campaign to acquire Moon Camp is intensified, with FOBBV aiming to raise $10 million.
- Prior to July 31, 2026: Over 25,000 individual donations contribute significantly to the fundraising goal.
- July 2026: Anna and Greg Brockman make a transformative $5.5 million donation, pushing the campaign to its $10 million target.
- Friday (Date of article publication): FOBBV officially announces the successful completion of the $10 million fundraising goal, securing the future of Moon Camp.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Challenges
While the news of Moon Camp’s preservation brings immense joy, it arrives at a challenging time for the beloved bald eagle pair. Jackie, the female eagle, is currently receiving care at a rehabilitation center in Ojai, California. She was found injured following an altercation with two subadult bald eagles, a stark reminder of the dangers wild animals face.
In Jackie’s absence, her mate, Shadow, has been diligently caring for their two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, named in honor of Sandy Steers. The young eagles are expected to fully fledge, or leave the nest for the first time, in the coming weeks. The successful conservation of their habitat provides a crucial sense of security for their future, even as their parents navigate personal health challenges.
Broader Implications for Wildlife Conservation
The successful acquisition of Moon Camp serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of community-driven conservation efforts. It highlights how dedicated advocacy, coupled with significant philanthropic support, can overcome development pressures and safeguard ecologically sensitive areas. This victory offers a model for similar initiatives, demonstrating that even in the face of complex challenges, the protection of natural habitats and the wildlife they support is achievable.
The story of Jackie and Shadow, and the community’s commitment to their home, underscores the growing public awareness and concern for environmental preservation. As urbanization continues to expand, such conservation successes are vital in ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems and the invaluable biodiversity they harbor. The $10 million raised will not only protect Moon Camp but also serve as a beacon of hope for future conservation endeavors.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Popular Science’s parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
