A bird with an impressive wingspan descends into a tall Jeffrey pine, while cheers rise from a pontoon on Big Bear Lake. Shadow, part of a renowned bald eagle duo, delivers a fish to his two growing chicks, observed through a continuous livestream from the nest.
This joyous moment carries a note of sadness. Watchers, including those from Friends of Big Bear Valley, gather to honor Sandy Steers, the nonprofit’s late executive director. Steers played a key role in establishing the nest cam. The organization races to raise $10 million by July’s end to protect land along the lake’s north shore from development into a gated community.
On Saturday, 100 people gathered at Big Bear’s Veterans Park for Steers’ memorial. The event, by the glittering lake, gained over 53,000 views online. More than a dozen speakers celebrated Steers, a biologist who passed away from cancer at 73. Her experiences ranged from race car driving lessons to working at NASA. Notably, she brought international fame to the local eagles.
Shelley Egan, interim executive director, described Steers as a “Disney princess” not for appearances but for her affinity with nature. Other speakers praised her as a dedicated advocate for wildlife. Tim Krantz, professor emeritus at the University of Redlands, recalled her tenacity as an expert witness in a lawsuit involving the eagles.
Joy Benedict from CBS L.A. remembered meeting Steers a decade ago when the nest cam launched. Steers’ excitement for the eagles was infectious. Benedict noted how Steers would sometimes deflect personal questions, leading Benedict to wish she had learned more about her.
Friends of Big Bear Valley prepared a fundraiser to stop a 50-home and 55-slip marina project following Steers’ death. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved Moon Camp in September. Officials claimed it would not harm the eagles after an “extensive environmental review.” However, the nonprofit argues that development close to their nest threatens their habitat.
The nonprofit has raised over $3.3 million, largely through small donations. Steers contributed $50,000 in her will. If successful, the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust will conserve the 63 acres, potentially transferring it to the U.S. Forest Service.
If the fundraising goal is not met, the land trust might borrow funds or partner with others. Jenny Voisard of Friends of Big Bear Valley declared, “Failure is not an option.”
Meanwhile, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, close to their first flight, hop and flap in their nest. Fans observe from Dana Point Park, eager for their anticipated fledging. Audrey Pope and her husband Brian from Santa Ana keep watch on the eagles livestream “24/7.”
Nearby, Lezlie Harris, now living in Costa Rica, explains finding solace in the livestream two years ago amid challenging times. Despite a storm claiming a chick last year, the eagles provided her with joy. She planned her visit to Big Bear to honor Steers, whom she never met, but who brought her happiness through the nest cam.
This spring, the eaglets were named Luna and Sandy, the latter a tribute to Steers. Local third graders decided on the names through a community contest. As the eaglets prepare for flight, they carry Steers’ spirit forward on their wings.