Friends of Big Bear Valley: Protecting Wildlife and Inspiring the Next Generation

Nestled in the mountains of Southern California, Big Bear Valley is home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country. Thanks to the dedicated work of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), this environment and its unique species—including the beloved bald eagles—are being preserved for generations to come.

The Mission of Friends of Big Bear Valley

Friends of Big Bear Valley is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and educating others about the unique habitats and species that call this area home. As the seventh most biodiverse place in the U.S., Big Bear Valley is full of special wildlife that needs protection. The team at FOBBV works to review environmental proposals, ensure developments respect wildlife habitats, and educate the public about nature conservation.

One of their biggest success stories? The live-streaming eagle cam that has captured the hearts of thousands.

The Eagle Cam: A Window Into the Wild

The Big Bear Eagle Cam, installed in 2015, gives nature lovers around the world a real-time glimpse into the lives of bald eagles. Watching the eagle parents, Jackie and Shadow, raise their chicks provides an intimate look at the challenges and beauty of nature. From egg-laying and hatching to feeding and fledging, the cam allows people to witness the love, dedication, and intelligence of these incredible birds—without disturbing their natural habitat.

Through the cam, viewers have seen Jackie’s strong personality as she leads the nest, while Shadow is the dedicated and sometimes goofy partner who supports her and their eaglets. Every season brings new lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.

How Kids Can Get Involved

One of the best ways to protect nature is to learn about it, and Friends of Big Bear Valley makes that possible for kids everywhere! Here’s how young nature lovers can get involved:

🌿 Watch the Eagle Cam – Follow along as Jackie and Shadow raise their chicks!
📚 Listen to the SuperKind Kids Podcast – Click the episode above to learn more about Friends of Big Bear Valley
💡 Explore Educational Resources – Check out fact sheets and eagle history on their website.
👕 Support the Mission – Grab an eagle-themed t-shirt or book to help fund conservation efforts.
🦅 Download the Free Eagle Journal – Kids can observe the live eagle cam and record their daily observations in a special Eagle Journal, fostering curiosity and a deeper connection to nature.

Beyond learning about eagles, kids can practice kindness towards nature by picking up litter, respecting wildlife, and sharing what they learn with others. As Sandy Steers beautifully put it, when we connect our hearts to nature, we become kinder, more compassionate people—and that kindness ripples out into the world.

Take the Learning Further with Team Kind Humans!

This month, Friends of Big Bear Valley is featured in the Team Kind Collective.

As part of my mission to make kindness a natural part of family life, I've created a KindSchooling Guide that takes kids through the KIND Method—Know, Inquire, Noodle, Do—with an emphasis on eagles and the work of Friends of Big Bear Valley. This month's themed guide, delivered straight to your inbox, includes hands-on activities, engaging information, a featured book and kind human, and a service project benefiting the eagles.

If you'd like to go even further with this learning, a KindSchooling Quest is the way to go! Through engaging video lessons, hands-on activities, and downloadable guides, kids will develop a greater appreciation for wildlife and learn how to take action to protect nature.

By joining Team Kind Humans, you’ll not only explore the work of Friends of Big Bear Valley, but also take part in meaningful service projects, kindness challenges, and more—all designed to inspire kids to become changemakers in their communities.

Join the Mission!

Friends of Big Bear Valley is doing the work to protect wildlife and inspire future generations. Whether you're tuning into the eagle cam, learning about conservation, or simply sharing a love of nature, you are helping to make a difference.

✨ Join Team Kind Humans today to access all the eagle kindness featuring Friends of Big Bear Valley! Let’s inspire a new generation of kind, curious, and environmentally conscious kids together.

To learn more about FOBBV, visit Friends of Big Bear Valley. To join Team Kind Humans and start your kindness journey, click here!