A group of inspiring 4th grade students in California is proving that environmental education can lead to meaningful action. Guided by their science teacher, Sara Stinson, the students began fundraising efforts to help protect the natural habitat of two beloved bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, in Big Bear Valley.
What started as a classroom science project quickly transformed into a passionate wildlife conservation campaign led by children determined to make a difference.
Who Are Jackie and Shadow?
Jackie and Shadow are a famous mating pair of bald eagles living in California’s Big Bear Valley. Their daily lives are streamed live through a 24/7 webcam created by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
Teacher Sara Stinson introduced the live eagle cam to her students during a science lesson about the life cycle. Through the livestream, students were able to observe the eagles building their nest, laying eggs, hatching chicks, and raising their young.
“We get to see the eagles set up their nest, then we get to see them lay eggs, and then we get to see the eggs hatch and the chicks grow,” Stinson told ABC 7 News.
The interactive experience helped students connect deeply with wildlife and environmental science in a way textbooks alone could never achieve.
Threatened Wildlife Habitat in Big Bear Lake
While checking the live webcam a few months ago, Stinson discovered troubling news. The area surrounding Big Bear Lake — the last undeveloped shoreline where Jackie and Shadow hunt — was at risk of being turned into a luxury housing development.
Environmental organizations warned that unless activists could raise $10 million to purchase the land, the important wildlife habitat could be permanently lost.
The land, known as Moon Camp, is home not only to the bald eagles’ hunting grounds but also to several native and endangered plant species, including the ash-gray Indian paintbrush.
Students Launch Fundraisers to Save the Eagles
After learning about the possible development, the students immediately wanted to help.
“I started sharing the information with them and they felt so passionate about it. They were like, ‘What can we do?’” said Stinson.
The children quickly organized fundraising campaigns and awareness efforts throughout their community. Some students opened lemonade stands, while others distributed flyers to local businesses explaining how people could donate to the cause.
“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,” said 4th grader Evie Cook.
Their efforts demonstrate how young students can become powerful advocates for environmental protection when given the opportunity to engage with real-world issues.
Conservation Organizations Working to Protect Moon Camp
The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) entered into a limited Purchase Option Agreement to buy Moon Camp as a final effort to protect the land from development.
The organization has until the end of July to secure funding and complete the purchase.
So far, SBMLT and Friends of Big Bear Valley have raised approximately one-quarter of the required amount. If necessary, both organizations may seek financial loans to finalize the acquisition and preserve the habitat.
Environmental Education Inspires the Next Generation
The story of these 4th graders highlights the incredible impact of environmental education and hands-on learning. By watching Jackie and Shadow through the live webcam, students developed a genuine emotional connection to wildlife conservation.
Now, through bake sales, lemonade stands, and community outreach, they are actively helping protect the very animals that inspired them in the classroom.
Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder that even small actions can contribute to meaningful environmental change — regardless of age.