Big Bear is one of SoCal’s most beloved year-round destinations, drawing visitors with its mountain landscapes, lake views and outdoor adventures. But for many people around the world, the area is best known as the home of Jackie and Shadow, the famous bald eagle pair whose nesting journey has been followed by millions online.
Now (and after a long fundraising campaign) the pair’s home finally has a protected future. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley just announced that it has secured the $10 million needed to preserve Moon Camp, a 63-acre stretch of untouched forest, shoreline and open space along Big Bear Lake.
The nonprofit launched a grassroots fundraising campaign back in February to stop a proposed luxury development that would have brought 50 custom homes and a marina to the property. More than 25,000 donations from supporters around the world helped raise nearly half of the funds, with the campaign reaching its goal after a private $5.5 million donation.
The fight to protect Big Bear’s Moon Camp
For 25 years, Friends of Big Bear Valley has worked to protect Moon Camp as a refuge for bald eagles and other wildlife. The area plays a key role during nesting season for Jackie and Shadow while also preserving an important ecological corridor that supports the region’s biodiversity.
Moon Camp is currently the only remaining undisturbed shoreline on Big Bear Lake. The protected land provides habitat for bald eagles, San Bernardino flying squirrels, native plants, birds, and waterfowl. Conservation experts have warned for decades that development could have significant impacts on the area’s biological resources.
The funding clears the way for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) to purchase the property, with additional funds covering closing costs, taxes, legal fees, and long-term maintenance. SBMLT plans to complete the purchase of Moon Camp by July 31, 2026, ensuring the property will be preserved permanently.
For Jackie, Shadow, and the countless species that depend on this forested shoreline, Moon Camp will remain a place where wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
