The Santa Monica Mountains are home to around 450 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that roam a range packed with native plant varieties. But cut off by the US 101 freeway, the mountains have become something of a genetic island.

“It’s like old royalty,” jokes Beth Pratt, California regional executive director with the National Wildlife Federation, of the animals who live in the Santa Monica Mountains. “They’re mating with their relatives, and we know that does not result in a sustainable population.”

The answer? The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a transverse for both animal and plant species that will strengthen and sustain genetic diversity in the mountains. Following decades of planning and conceptualization toward a crossing, in 2014 the #SaveLACougars campaign was launched to raise the funding needed to make it a reality. The Annenberg Foundation—under the leadership of its late president and chairwoman Wallis Annenberg—donated a total of $26 million dollars toward the crossing’s realization.

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