Full Breakdown
Danville Elementary Students Mobilize to Save Big Bear Valley Eagle Habitat
5/14/2026, 8:10:56 PM
Eagle Nest Observation Sparks Classroom Action
Science teacher Sara Stinson at John Baldwin Elementary School in Danville, California, incorporated a live webcam of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, nesting in Big Bear Valley, into her life-cycles unit. Watching the eagles build a nest, lay eggs and raise chicks motivated students to monitor the pair’s progress and study local wildlife.
Development Threat and Fundraising Goal
The eagles’ hunting grounds lie within Moon Camp near Fawnskin. A developer plans luxury homes, prompting the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust to seek $10 million by July 31 to purchase and preserve the land. The deadline creates urgency for local supporters and the school.
Key Participants
Key participants include teachers Sara Stinson and Nancy McCaul at John Baldwin Elementary, fourth-grader Evie Cook, and Jenny Voisard, executive of Friends of Big Bear Valley, which leads the campaign with the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust. Friends of Big Bear Valley has opposed development near Fawnskin for 25 years.
Fundraising Progress and Financial Targets
Friends of Big Bear Valley has raised 25 % of the $10 million target. Students contribute via bake sales, lemonade stands, origami and letters to donors, including public figures such as Taylor Swift. Class updates track the total.
Ecological Significance of the Moon Camp Area
Moon Camp, a biodiversity hotspot, supports the eagles’ foraging and perching, rare plants such as the Ash-gray Indian paintbrush, and wildlife like flying squirrels.
Official Statements from Conservation Groups and Educators
Friends of Big Bear Valley says the land will stay undeveloped to protect trees, squirrels and eagles, and will consider loans if fundraising falls short. Teachers Stinson and McCaul note the classroom shift to persuasive advocacy as a direct response to the development threat.
Student-Led Advocacy and Community Outreach
Students posted flyers downtown and are planning a social-media campaign, while regularly communicating fundraising totals with the nonprofit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When I found out about the Jackie and Shadow camera, I started watching it in all of my classes,” — Sara Stinson, Science Teacher
- “When we first heard about this news, it was very sad for us because we are worried that the thing we have been watching for years can go away,” — Evie Cook, Fourth-grader
- “They've been walking up and down the streets of downtown Danville with posters informing people. They have been thinking about starting a social media campaign,” — Nancy McCaul, Teacher
- “Failure is not an option,” — Jenny Voisard, Friends of Big Bear Valley
What’s Next for the Land Trust Campaign
The land trust will keep soliciting donations through July, and if the $10 million goal is met, the property will receive permanent conservation protection, securing the eagles’ habitat and surrounding ecosystem.
