A bird with an impressive wingspan descends into a tall Jeffrey pine tree at Big Bear Lake. Onlookers on a pontoon boat cheer as Shadow, one part of a renowned bald eagle pair, delivers a fish to his growing chicks. The viewers confirm this through a constant livestream of the nest.
Despite the joy, there is an underlying sorrow. These observers, including Friends of Big Bear Valley staff and volunteers, gather to honor Sandy Steers. She was the late executive director of the nonprofit and the visionary behind its nest cam. Meanwhile, the organization strives to raise $10 million by July’s end to protect land along the lake’s north shore from becoming a gated community.
On Saturday, around 100 people met at Big Bear’s Veterans Park for Steers’ memorial as the lake sparkled nearby. Recordings of the event have been viewed over 53,000 times. More than a dozen speakers shared memories of Steers. She was a biologist who passed away at 73 from cancer, and was known for race car driving lessons, working for NASA, and making eagles an international sensation.
Scott Geiger from Apple Valley uses binoculars to observe Jackie and Shadow from a viewing spot at Dana Point Park. Eagles Jackie and Shadow, perched high in a pine tree, care for their young in a sizable 5-foot-wide nest.
Steers’ environmental advocacy began long before the eagles gained fame. She co-founded a nonprofit in 2001 fighting a housing development known as Moon Camp. This nonprofit evolved into Friends of Big Bear Valley, which continues to oppose the same project today.
Shelley Egan, one of two interim executive directors succeeding Steers, likened her to a ‘Disney princess.’ While she might not have worn gowns, she nurtured animals and birds on her porch. Others described her as opinionated, willing to defend her environmental focus fiercely.
Tim Krantz, professor emeritus at the University of Redlands, shared an instance of working with Steers on legal action against developers over eagle habitat protection. He praised her tenacity, admitting their opponents weren’t prepared for her determination.
Joy Benedict, a CBS L.A. journalist, recalled her encounters with Steers, who often deflected personal questions, focusing instead on her eagle conservation efforts. Despite this, Benedict expressed regret for not prying more into Steers’ personal life after her passing.
Friends of Big Bear Valley recently prepared a campaign against a project to construct 50 homes and a 55-slip marina. Although the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved Moon Camp last September, citing thorough environmental reviews, the nonprofit argues that Jackie and Shadow utilize the land as a pivotal foraging area.
The design proposed by RCK Properties was deemed ‘truly special,’ with development plans steering clear of the eagles’ lakefront hunting grounds. Despite losing Steers, Friends of Big Bear Valley has garnered over $3.3 million, primarily via small contributions. Steers contributed $50,000 from her estate.
The objective is for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to conserve 63 acres, eventually transferring it to the U.S. Forest Service. RCK’s Steve Foulkes has confirmed the land trust’s $10 million purchase option by July 31.
Should the fundraiser fall short, the land trust might borrow the difference or partner with another group to acquire the property. Jenny Voisard of Friends of Big Bear Valley insists that project failure isn’t an option, determined to prevent construction on this cherished land.
In the Jeffrey pine canopy, nature continues unabated. The eagles’ chicks, teens by eagle standards, are preparing for their first flight. Enthusiasts with binoculars gather at Dana Point Park, hoping to witness this milestone.
Audrey Pope from Santa Ana, inspired by her granddaughter, observes the nest closely. Similarly, Lezlie Harris shares how the livestream provided solace during challenging times, enhancing her connection with the wildlife community.
The chicks, named Luna and Sandy, honor Steers’ memory. As they learn to fly, Steers’ legacy endures in Big Bear Valley, carried by those who cherish her contributions to eagle conservation.