Introduction to the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
The wildlife crossing designed to help mountain lions, deer, bobcats and other creatures safely travel over the 101 Freeway between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains will reach a major milestone on Monday, as workers lay the first layers of soil on the overpass.
The Significance of the Wildlife Crossing
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing spans the 10-lane freeway in Agoura Hills and will become the largest such crossing in the world. It is designed to help animals avoid being killed while roaming in urban habitats. Although it is too late to help Los Angeles’ beloved mountain lion P-22 expand his territory, the passage will allow mountain lions and other wildlife to range farther for food and mates.
Impact on Local Wildlife
Small puma populations have been isolated by the freeway, and their offspring were showing signs of birth defects. This crossing aims to reconnect these populations and prevent further isolation.
Statement from Annenberg
“I imagine a future for all the wildlife in our area where it’s possible to survive and thrive and the placement of this first soil on the bridge means another step closer to reality,” Annenberg, a philanthropist, said in a statement. “This extraordinary structure will serve not only animals,” she said, “but it will reconnect an entire ecosystem and protect this global biodiversity hotspot — this moment marks another wonderful milestone toward that goal.”
Construction and Funding
Crews work on the wildlife crossing in mid-October in Agoura Hills.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
The Annenberg family’s foundation was a major donor to the $92-million effort to make the bridge — which stands 21 feet and 8 inches above the freeway — a reality. Initially conceived more than three decades ago, construction of the 200-foot-long,165-foot-wide bridge began in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Importance of Connectivity
“There’s been a growing awareness in California as we’re working to protect our nature, our biodiversity, that we can’t just restore and protect habitat; We actually have to build connectivity between habitat,” Wade Crowfoot, secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency, said earlier when the project was announced.
Laying the First Layers of Soil
Monday morning, workers will begin placing soil — sandy loam mixed with lightweight volcanic aggregate — on the wildlife overpass. The process is expected to take several weeks and will require 6,000 cubic yards of soil, enough to cover three-quarters of an American football field in about 2.5 feet of soil.
Planting Native Species
Then, coastal sage, buckwheat, wild grape, wildflowers, milkweed and other native plants will be planted on the roughly one-acre habitat. Oaks and other trees and plants will be planted on 12 acres on both sides of the wildlife crossing.
Conclusion
The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a significant step towards protecting and preserving the local wildlife and their habitats. By providing a safe passage for animals to cross the freeway, this project aims to reduce the risk of accidents and promote biodiversity in the region. With the first layers of soil being laid, the project is one step closer to completion and realizing its goal of reconnecting the ecosystem.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing?
A: The purpose of the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is to provide a safe passage for animals, such as mountain lions, deer, and bobcats, to cross the 101 Freeway and reconnect their habitats. - Q: How large is the wildlife crossing?
A: The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is 200 feet long and 165 feet wide, making it the largest wildlife crossing in the world. - Q: When is the project expected to be completed?
A: The project is expected to be completed in 2026. - Q: What type of soil is being used for the crossing?
A: The soil being used is a mix of sandy loam and lightweight volcanic aggregate. - Q: What kind of plants will be planted on the crossing?
A: Native plants such as coastal sage, buckwheat, wild grape, wildflowers, and milkweed will be planted on the crossing.
