Remembering Sandy Steers: A Passionate Advocate for Big Bear Wildlife and the Voice of Eagle Cam
Big Bear Lake, Calif. – Sandy Steers, the dedicated executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley and a well-known advocate for wildlife, passed away on the evening of February 11. Her contributions to environmental advocacy and her efforts in illuminating the lives of Big Bear’s bald eagles garnered her admiration from a global audience.
Steers had led Friends of Big Bear Valley for over two decades, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the community. The organization announced her passing on social media, expressing deep sorrow for their loss and requesting privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
"Sandy Steers passed away. It is with heavy hearts and great sadness to let our Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle family know," the nonprofit wrote. The exact circumstances surrounding her death have not yet been disclosed.
Known for her expertise in wildlife preservation, Steers played a crucial role in launching live-stream cameras that followed the nesting seasons of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow in 2015. This initiative expanded viewership and allowed thousands to witness the eagles’ lives firsthand, transforming viewers into an "eagle family."
In addition to her work on the live-streaming project, Steers’ advocacy extended to preserving rare pebble plains and the endangered paintbrush flower. Her dedication to local biodiversity earned her a nomination for Outdoor Californian of the Year in 2023 by the Outdoor Writers Association of California.
Steers was a familiar presence in local media, often educating the public on eagle behavior and providing comfort during challenging times, such as severe storms and predatory threats to the nests.
While Steers’ legacy is evident, details regarding memorial services and her successor as executive director have yet to be announced. Friends of Big Bear Valley has indicated that further information will be shared in due course.
