Animal Lovers Race to Protect Bald Eagle Couple’s Nesting Grounds from Nearby Development as $10M Deadline Nears

**Final Push to Save Nesting Grounds of Jackie and Shadow the Bald Eagles**

The iconic bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, which have captivated wildlife enthusiasts in Big Bear Valley, may face an uncertain future due to a proposed luxury housing development near their nesting site. Conservationists are rallying together in a concerted effort to raise £10 million to secure and conserve a vital 63-acre plot of land known as Moon Camp, located on the North Shore of Lake Big Bear in Fawnskin, California.

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) has made an urgent call for support to protect the area that holds great ecological significance. The organisation emphasised that this mostly undisturbed land lies less than a mile from the eagles’ nest, serving as a crucial habitat for them to perch and forage. Furthermore, the site is home to rare and endangered plant species, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the region.

In a recent statement, FOBBV reported that they have been granted a limited option to purchase the Moon Camp property outright by the developing firm. This move follows over 25 years of sustained public opposition against the proposed housing and marina project. The construction of such developments has been flagged by experts as one that could produce a significant detrimental impact on the local bald eagle population, potentially driving Jackie and Shadow from their nesting grounds entirely.

The push to halt the development gathered momentum last September when the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors received an overwhelming response from the public, with more than 5,000 emails opposing the plans. These voices are now uniting to ensure the protection of their beloved eagles’ habitat.

Sandy Steers, the late executive director of FOBBV, highlighted the urgency of the campaign before her passing in February 2026. Steers, who also played a role on the board of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT), was instrumental in negotiating the purchase agreement. She passionately stated, “We need everyone to become Jackie and Shadow’s hero,” underlining the importance of community involvement in this conservation effort.

In her previous remarks, Steers noted the ecological importance of the area, affirming that “every single Bald Eagle is an amazing individual being with the right to thrive.” She further reminded supporters that Big Bear Valley accounts for the seventh most biologically diverse ecosystem in the United States, making it critical to safeguard its unique habitats and species.

To date, the fundraising campaign has successfully raised over £303,026 towards its £10 million goal. With a deadline set for 31 July 2026, the challenge ahead is considerable, as FOBBV urges the community to rally around this effort. As stated in a recent update, “The road ahead is decidedly difficult, but the opportunity to protect Jackie and Shadow’s home is within our grasp.”

If successful in their fundraising mission, the plot of land will not only be preserved but will also be integrated into the adjacent United States Forest Service property, further securing its ecological integrity for future generations.

This fundraising drive is unprecedented in the nearly quarter-century history of FOBBV, which boasts a social media following of approximately 2.4 million people. The organisation is leveraging its extensive network to spread awareness and encourage contributions to support this vital cause.

As supporters unite to protect the nesting grounds of Jackie and Shadow, the local community, along with conservationists, are hoping to ensure that these magnificent birds can continue to thrive and nest in the heart of Big Bear Valley, a gift that future generations can also appreciate.