2023 OCOY Nominee: Sandy Steers
Nominated by OWAC member: Barbara Steinberg
Executive Director, Friends of Big Bear Valley an environmental-education nonprofit organization.
Steers has been the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley for the past 22 years. The organization’s mission is to protect and preserve the amazing natural local surroundings through environmental education and advocacy.
She established eco-tourism in the Valley helping people understand that they can support the local economy by promoting the natural surroundings and protecting them rather than destroying them for commercial gain. Education programs for classrooms also teach children about wildlife and nature.
“Sandy Steers truly exemplifies the spirit of the outdoors through her efforts to conserve the natural environment while helping to enhance and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation in California,” wrote nominating OWAC Member Barbara Steinberg. “Her efforts to preserve nesting sites for Big Bear Lake bald eagles and open space in the region including helping to save a rare pebble plain and a threatened paintbrush flower which is listed on the federal and the state endangered list, and only exists in Big Bear Valley.”
Steers has played a key role in the observation and study of local environmental issues and changes in Big Bear Valley, including becoming a “host” to a nesting pair of bald eagles. Her efforts saw the installation of the bald eagle nest live camera that educates and captivates people across the world via the official website.
According to Steers, “The biggest thing we’ve done is to connect people with nature. I get emails from people that they didn’t realize how hard it was for nature to survive and that they are noticing wildlife more. Giving them a place to have hope.”
