BIG BEAR, CA — Friends of Big Bear Valley received some big news to end a trying week in Big Bear.
With bald eagle mom Jackie under the care of the Ojai Raptor Center, and a deadline looming to save the Moon Camp property, where her nest sits, a final 11th-hour donation of $5.5 million cemented the funds needed to save the home of Jackie and Shadow from development.
The final lump sum donation came from OpenAI co-founder and president Anna and Greg Brockman, according to Jenny Voisard, spokesperson for the nonprofit. The couple's donation pushed the Save Moon Camp account well over the $10 million needed to purchase the land for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust.
For the past several months, the fundraiser raised and sat at just over $4 million. As of 5 p.m., Thursday, it edged closer to $5 million, still not enough to purchase the land for future generations.
Then, things suddenly changed.
A large-scale donation of $5.5 million, shared by the Brockmans, pushed the account over the edge. As supporters and followers checked the Friday donations, instead of "Donate Now," they saw "Goal Met."
"While a plan was in place to purchase the 63 acres of undisturbed forested open space and shoreline used by Jackie and Shadow, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle pair, with the last $6 million raised, the land will be preserved once and for all," according to Jenny Voisard, spokesperson for the group.
The grassroots fundraising campaign began in mid-February to stop the planned luxury housing development of 50 custom homes and a marina. Since then, the community and supporters around the world answered the call with over 25,000 donations to raise nearly half of the amount needed and culminating in the total amount being fulfilled with the $5.5 million from the Brockmans.
"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," Voisard said.
Co-founders and co-board-chairs of FOBBV Patricia Kous and Roman Silberfeld released a statement on the recent events surrounding the bald eagles, and the fundraiser for Moon Camp.
"We are inspired by the tremendous interest and support of all of the people worldwide, the students and teachers, and the local community. We are motivated by their dedication to conservation and their hearts to make a difference in the world," the statement reads. "We are deeply touched by Anna and Greg's enthusiasm and incredible generosity to help our cause become a reality. Words cannot express how thankful we all are for this gift. Their kindness and devotion will be held forever in our hearts."
Anna Brockman also released a statement about their donation and the bald eagles they have come to love.
"Greg and I are grateful to all those who championed saving the home of these majestic eagles, Jackie and Shadow. 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."
Conserving the parcel of land from development helps bald eagles, especially Jackie and Shadow, during nesting season. It preserves an important ecological corridor, key to the entire area's critical biodiversity, Voisard explained.
"Moon Camp supports a rare and endemic plant, San Bernardino Flying Squirrels and other birds and waterfowl.
"Since the 1980s, experts said that development would cause 'significant detrimental impact' to biological resources, including the bald eagle. Before there was a nesting pair, the area was home to 25-30 visiting eagles per year. Those numbers have decreased alongside increased development, leaving Moon Camp the only undisturbed shoreline left on the lake.
Before the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the development in September, they received over 5,000 emails from the public opposed to anything that would disrupt this unique wildlife zone.
"Local residents have been fighting it for decades," Voisard said.
The land trust plans to complete the purchase of the property by July 31, 2026, as planned, and FOBBV will announce when that has taken place.
"Before Sandy Steers, the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, and a board member of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, passed away on February 11, she helped negotiate the agreement with the property owners," Voisard said. "It was the most important priority Steers had."
With that purchase, the land trust will preserve Moon Camp in perpetuity.
"While some eagles are able to adapt to continued urbanization, the preservation of habitat space will have long-term benefits to all birds and wildlife for generations to come," Voisard said. "Any donations collected over $10 million will go towards related costs and long-term care of the land."
Jackie was rescued one week ago, found anemic and in need of medical care. She is in recovery at The Ojai Raptor Center, while fans of the Friends of Big Bear Valley Bald Eagle Nest cam keep watch on Shadow and the juvenile eagles who are learning to fend for themselves.
Since 2019, fans of the nest cam have watched Jackie, with her mate Shadow, lay clutches of eggs, feed and protect their eaglets until they fledge and fly away. But through all of the perils and pitfalls of watching nature in action, from raided eggs to eaglets succumbing to the harsh winters, Jackie hospitalized, this year proves to have the most at stake.
She is resting, eating, and healing in Ojai at the Raptor Center. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Center, this is the best place she could be while vets attempt to figure out how best to help her heal.
"Another update is scheduled for Monday. While we are encouraged by the dedication and collaboration surrounding this case, it is still too early to predict the outcome."
One worry has been removed for this eagle family, thanks to the Brockmans and countless others who have given to protect this corner of the world. With Moon Camp's purchase now fully funded, faith in humanity is restored this week in Big Bear.
Read also:
Save Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest From Large Development, $10M Fundraiser Underway
Big Bear Bald Eagle Eggs Eaten By Raven As 20K Keep Watch On Livestream
Beloved Big Bear Bald Eagles Supporter Sandy Steers Dies
Injured Bald Eagle Found In Big Bear Is 'Likely' Area's Beloved Jackie
Big Bear Bald Eagles Expecting Again: Two Eggs Laid, More To Follow, Experts Say
Learning To Fly: Watch Big Bear Eaglets Test Their Wings
Big Bear Bald Eaglets Eat, Bonk And Vie For Attention As 30K Watch Nature In Action
Fledgling Big Bear Bald Eagle Pushed From The Nest: What's Next For Sandy And Luna?
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