Life is blooming along the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the $114 million project in Agoura Hills designed to provide a safe pathway for wildlife looking to traverse man’s intrusion into their habitat.
On a recent stroll, Beth Pratt, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, pointed out California poppies, white sage and other native plants from the Santa Monica Mountains taking root along the span. She lights up at the sight of a native bee hovering over a cluster of poppies.
“I’ve recorded about eight species of birds, nine species of butterfly, and one American kestrel up here,” Pratt said. “It’s really fun to see the wildlife responding.”
Pratt said native vegetation has been carefully matched to the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains to create a natural pathway for wildlife along the unfinished crossing in Liberty Canyon.
Once completed, the bridge — scheduled to open Dec. 2 — will reconnect habitat severed for decades by the 101 Freeway, restoring a critical migration route for coyotes, deer, bobcats and, most notably, endangered mountain lions whose populations have declined as highways and development have fragmented their range.