World's Largest Wildlife Crossing Gets First Native Plants

Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Progress

• 🏗️ The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway is nearing completion, with the first native plants being placed.
• 💡 This project, described as a "momentous occasion," has been a long-term vision, with groundwork laid and now the introduction of flora.

Planting and Habitat Creation

• 🌱 Approximately 5,000 native plants will be installed to create a living habitat.
• 🌿 Plants were gathered years ago from millions of seeds and grown in a dedicated nursery to ensure suitability for the crossing.
• 🦋 The selected species are designed to attract and support a diverse range of wildlife, from monarch butterflies to mountain lions, reconnecting the ecosystem.

Project Timeline and Complexity

• 📅 The main structure over the freeway is complete, but subsequent phases involve complex utility relocation (water, power, gas, telecom) and undergrounding electrical lines.
• 🚧 Early next year, work will begin on extending the structure over Gore Road, followed by soil and plant installation.
• 🎉 The project is targeted for a red ribbon cutting next fall, marking its completion approximately one year from now.

Environmental and Wildlife Impact

• 🏞️ The crossing aims to provide a safe path for wildlife over the busy freeway, minimizing human interaction.
• ⛰️ It is designed to create a habitat for wildlife from the Santa Monica Mountains, supporting their movement and survival.
• 🐆 The project is explicitly about enabling animals like cougars to cross safely, reconnecting their habitat.