Students Fundraise to Protect Eagle Habitat

Why this is here: Evie Cook, a fourth grader, explained her class felt “very sad” learning the eagles’ habitat could disappear after years of watching them via livestream.

Fourth grade students in California are raising money to help the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust purchase Moon Camp, a vital habitat near Big Bear Lake. Teacher Sara Stinson introduced her class to Jackie and Shadow, a local bald eagle pair monitored by a live webcam. Students learned the eagles’ hunting grounds were slated for development unless $10 million could be raised.

Students responded by organizing fundraisers like lemonade stands and flyer campaigns to support the land trust’s efforts. The trust entered an agreement to buy the land, which also supports ash-gray Indian paintbrush and other native plants, but needs to secure full funding by the end of July.

So far, the land trust and Friends of Big Bear Valley have raised roughly 25% of the needed funds and may need to seek a loan. The students’ continued efforts aim to protect the eagles and the habitat they’ve observed throughout the school year.