OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and Anna Brockman contributed over $5.5 million to secure a 63-acre land parcel near Big Bear Lake, completing a $10 million fundraising goal that will permanently protect critical bald eagle habitat from development.

OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and Anna Brockman have donated more than $5.5 million towards the purchase of a 63-acre parcel of land near Big Bear Lake, ensuring the preservation of critical habitat for the area's famous bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow. The contribution allowed environmental groups to meet a July 31 deadline to acquire the property, which had been slated for a luxury housing development.

The Brockmans' donation finalized a $10 million fundraising campaign by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT). The groups managed to raise roughly $4.5 million through a grassroots effort before the Brockmans' decisive contribution, which prevented the Chicago-based developer RCK Properties from moving forward with plans for 50 luxury homes and a marina on the land. The property, known as "Moon Camp," was approved for development by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in September 2025 despite public opposition.

This deployment of significant tech wealth into environmental conservation highlights a growing trend among tech figures using their capital for philanthropic endeavors outside traditional tech investments. The land is not only vital for the bald eagles but also for other endangered species like the San Bernardino flying squirrel. While no public land transfer records have appeared as of the deadline, the conservation groups are proceeding with the acquisition. The announcement from Friends of Big Bear Valley, which credits Sandy Steers as a driving force behind the effort, noted, "We did it together! With your help we were able to raise the $10 million needed to save Moon Camp." Anna Brockman further stated, "Greg and I are grateful to all those who championed saving the home of these majestic eagles, Jackie and Shadow."