BREAKING: Moon Camp Has Been Saved! $10 Million Goal Reached To Protect Jackie & Shadow’s Habitat Forever
Photo credit: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV)
In a historic victory for wildlife conservation, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) announced that the $10 million goal to save Moon Camp has officially been reached, ensuring that 63 acres of irreplaceable forest, shoreline, and critical wildlife habitat in Big Bear Valley, California, will be permanently protected.
The grassroots campaign, launched in mid-February to stop the proposed development of 50 luxury homes and a marina, inspired an extraordinary outpouring of support from around the world. More than 25,000 donations helped raise nearly half of the funding needed before a transformative gift of more than $5.5 million from Anna and Greg Brockman helped complete the campaign.
The funding now clears the way for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) to purchase Moon Camp, while also covering closing costs, taxes, legal expenses, and helping to ensure the long-term stewardship of this remarkable landscape.
Friends of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust thanked everyone who contributed to the campaign and recognized Anna and Greg Brockman for their extraordinary generosity in helping protect Jackie, Shadow, their chicks, and the countless wild animals that depend on this special place.
“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 well-being along with nature,” said Jenny Voisard, spokesperson and fundraising lead for Friends of Big Bear Valley.
“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,” said Patricia Klous and Roman Silberfeld, co-founders and co-board chairs of Friends of Big Bear Valley.
“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 shared:
“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.”
For 25 years, Friends of Big Bear Valley has worked to protect Moon Camp because of its extraordinary ecological importance. The property provides essential nesting and foraging habitat for Jackie and Shadow, supports a critical wildlife corridor and is home to the rare San Bernardino flying squirrel, numerous native bird species, waterfowl, and unique native plants.
For decades, scientists and conservationists warned that developing the property would have significant impacts on wildlife, including bald eagles. As development around Big Bear Lake increased over the years, Moon Camp remained the lake’s last undisturbed shoreline, making its protection more important than ever.
This victory also honors the legacy of Sandy Steers, the beloved executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Before her passing, Sandy helped negotiate the agreement with the property owners and made protecting Moon Camp one of her highest priorities. Her vision and dedication helped make this historic achievement possible.
The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust expects to complete the purchase of Moon Camp by July 31, 2026. Once the transaction is finalized, this irreplaceable habitat will be permanently protected in perpetuity for bald eagles, wildlife, and future generations.
Today, we celebrate not only a victory for Jackie and Shadow, but also for conservation, community, and every person around the world who believed this extraordinary place was worth saving.
Thank you to everyone whose generosity and support helped make this dream a reality for Jackie, Shadow, their eaglets, and all the wildlife that call Moon Camp home.
