Honoring Sandy Steers and Protecting Big Bear’s Eagles

At Big Bear Lake, a bald eagle named Shadow swoops into a towering Jeffrey pine tree. Onlookers on a pontoon boat cheer as Shadow delivers a fish to his growing chicks. These observers, aided by a nest livestream, witness a joyous moment tinged with sadness.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit, recently held a memorial for Sandy Steers, their late executive director and creator of the nest cam, at Veterans Park. The organization aims to raise $10 million to protect land along the lake’s north shore from becoming a gated community.

On Saturday, around 100 individuals gathered to remember Steers as the lake shimmered and swallows filled the sky. More than 53,000 people have viewed recordings of the event. Speakers paid tribute to Steers, a 73-year-old biologist who passed away from cancer. She took race car driving lessons, worked with NASA, and turned bald eagles Jackie and Shadow into global icons.

Steers’ environmental advocacy began long before the eagles gained fame. She co-founded a nonprofit in 2001 to oppose the Moon Camp housing development, which became Friends of Big Bear Valley. The group is now fundraising to stop the same project.

Shelley Egan, an interim executive director, likened Steers to a “Disney princess.” She welcomed animals, fed birds, and hosted wildlife in her home. Others described her as a committed protector of nature. Tim Krantz, a University of Redlands professor emeritus, recalled partnering with Steers as expert witnesses for eagles in a lawsuit against a developer. In a seemingly grandmotherly demeanor, she effectively challenged the defense’s legal strategies.

Joy Benedict, a CBS L.A. journalist, met Steers while covering Jackie and Shadow. The eagles gained attention with the nest cam, and Benedict frequently visited Big Bear, captivated by Steers. She recalled Steers’ joy when three chicks hatched.

Friends of Big Bear Valley is pushing forward a fundraiser to protect the land. Sandy Steers bequeathed $50,000 to the cause. If successful, the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust could conserve about 63 acres, possibly transferring it to the U.S. Forest Service. The goal is to prevent the 50-home and 55-slip marina project near the eagles’ nest, which is a primary foraging area.

While RCK Properties, the landowner, states the project underwent extensive environmental review, Friends of Big Bear Valley disputes it. They emphasize the potential damage to the eagles’ habitat.

The nonprofit has raised over $3.3 million, thanks to mostly small donations. The fundraiser must succeed, or they may need loans or partnerships to secure the land. Jenny Voisard, the media manager, remains determined: “Failure is not an option.”

As eagle enthusiasts focus on the nest from Dana Point Park, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets prepare for their first flight. Audrey Pope, from Santa Ana, hopes to catch the moment. The Popes’ granddaughter introduced them to the eagles, and they now follow the livestream constantly.

Lezlie Harris started watching the nest cam two years ago to escape bleak times. Although living in Costa Rica, she watches every day for joy and happiness. The recent naming of the chicks as Luna and Sandy honors Steers, chosen by local third graders. When the eaglets take flight, Steers’ legacy will soar with them.