Article written by: Kennedy Bateman
In the age of urban sprawl, Southern California’s freeways have become barriers, dividing habitats and cutting off wildlife from essential resources; however, an ambitious project is rewriting that story! Just over the 101 Freeway in Calabasas, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is striving to reconnect wildlife habitats and ensure safe passage for animals.
Highways which have long been a barrier to biodiversity, isolate populations and put species at risk of extinction, exacerbating the harmful effects of habitat fragmentation. This can lead to reduced access to resources, disruption of migration routes, heightened competition, vulnerable populations, and a loss of ecosystem services. The wildlife crossing aims to increase biodiversity, by enabling gene flow between previously isolated populations. It is particularly meaningful to species with smaller populations, with reduced genetic diversity, these species are more vulnerable to disease and environmental changes.
The crossing will provide vital support to a wide range of species that have been impacted by the isolation caused by the 101 Freeway. Endangered mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains, for example, will gain safer passage, helping to address the genetic challenges caused by inbreeding. Similarly, deer, who often need to cross roads in search of food and water, will now be able to do so without the risk of traffic collisions. Coyotes, though adaptable, will benefit from access to new resources and safer movement between habitats. The crossing will also assist smaller mammals like bobcats, squirrels, and rabbits, as well as amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, all of which will now have a safer way to travel across the freeway. Birds, including owls and hawks, along with reptiles like snakes and lizards, will also be able to navigate the landscape more freely, ensuring better connectivity for all.
The wildlife crossing features an eco-friendly design, incorporating native vegetation to restore natural habitats and provide shelter for the wildlife. The bridge includes noise and light mitigation elements, such as sound barriers paired with low-impact lighting, to reduce disturbances from cars and traffic. Sustainable construction practices are also integrated, using recycled materials and minimizing energy consumption during construction. Expected to be the largest wildlife corridor in the world, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is anticipating its completion by 2026!
The crossing is a symbol of the power of collaboration, bringing together scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and the Annenberg Foundation to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in wildlife conservation. Scientists and conservationists have closely studied the local habitat to ensure all their needs are being met, and design a bridge that accommodates species’ migration patterns. Policymakers have played a crucial role in securing permits as well as creating a supportive framework for the project. The Annenberg Foundation has truly been a key driving force behind this project, providing essential funding and advocacy to make this a reality. There are also other public and private funding sources contributing to the project’s development. These partnerships have shown that when diverse sectors come together, they can create transformative solutions for the environment.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a step toward a more sustainable future, where urban development and wildlife can coexist. In the long run, it will restore critical wildlife corridors, allowing species to thrive and reconnect fragmented habitats. This crossing is not just a local conservation project, but a global model for addressing the challenges that come from habitat fragmentation in urbanized areas. Areas globally face similar issues where freeways and urban sprawl isolate wildlife populations, threatening biodiversity. The project’s success could inspire similar efforts globally, promoting wildlife crossings that protect biodiversity and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
This crossing represents a commitment to coexistence between humans and nature, showing that with innovation and collaboration, we can build a future where both people and wildlife thrive together!