Moon Camp Saved: $10 Million Raised To Preserve Jackie And Shadow’s Habitat

FAWNSKIN, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Friends of Big Bear Valley announced Friday that the $10 million needed to permanently protect Moon Camp from residential development has been secured, preserving 63 acres of forested open space and shoreline that serves as critical habitat for Big Bear’s world-famous bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, according to a written statement from Friends of Big Bear Valley. 

The grassroots fundraising campaign began in mid-February in an effort to stop plans for a luxury development that included 50 custom homes and a marina. More than 25,000 donors contributed nearly half of the total needed before a donation of more than $5.5 million from Anna and Greg Brockman completed the fundraising effort.

Greg Brockman is the co-founder and president of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT. An American entrepreneur and software engineer, Brockman began his career at Stripe in 2010 after leaving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, later becoming the company’s chief technology officer before co-founding OpenAI in 2015, where he also served as chief technology officer.

The funding clears the way for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to purchase the property while also covering closing costs, taxes, legal fees and future maintenance of the land.

Friends of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust thanked supporters from around the world for helping preserve the property and recognized Anna and Greg Brockman for what the organizations described as an extraordinary act of generosity benefiting Jackie, Shadow, their chicks and the surrounding habitat.

“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,” said Jenny Voisard, spokesperson for Friends of Big Bear Valley and fundraising lead.

“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 reflected on the campaign’s success.

“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,” Brockman said.

According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit has spent 25 years working to protect the property, which serves as an important ecological corridor supporting bald eagles, San Bernardino flying squirrels, rare native plants, waterfowl and other wildlife.

The organization said environmental experts have warned since the 1980s that development of the site would have a “significant detrimental impact” on biological resources, including bald eagles. Before Jackie and Shadow established their nest nearby, Moon Camp was used by an estimated 25 to 30 visiting bald eagles each year.

Friends of Big Bear Valley said those numbers have declined alongside continued development around Big Bear Lake, leaving Moon Camp as the lake’s last undisturbed shoreline.

The proposed development also drew significant public opposition. Before approving the project in September 2025, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors received more than 5,000 emails opposing the proposal, according to the organization.

The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust plans to complete the purchase of Moon Camp by July 31. Friends of Big Bear Valley said it will announce when the transaction has officially closed.

The announcement also honors the legacy of Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley and a board member of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, who died on Feb. 11, 2026. According to the organization, Steers helped negotiate the agreement with the property owners before her passing, calling the preservation of Moon Camp her highest priority.

In a Facebook post celebrating the milestone, Friends of Big Bear Valley thanked supporters once again, writing, “You are all heroes and we are grateful for your care, support and strength, especially during this time. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We did it, Sandy! Get well soon, Jackie.”

The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust said the property will be preserved in perpetuity, ensuring the habitat remains protected for wildlife for generations to come. Any funds raised beyond the $10 million goal will be used for related expenses and the long-term stewardship of the property.

Related Article: Time Is Running Out To Save Jackie And Shadow’s Habitat From Proposed Moon Camp Luxury Housing Development

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