One of the most ambitious wildlife projects on Earth is taking shape above one of the busiest freeways in the U.S. Stretching over ten lanes of Highway 101, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a symbol of how cities are, finally, learning to coexist with nature.
Designed to reconnect the fragmented habitats of the Santa Monica Mountains, in late October crews will begin installing thousands of native plants specially cultivated for the site, according to the Ventura County Star. This marks the first step in transforming the bridge into a natural extension of the mountains.
Recreating a natural habitat
Over the coming months, the crossing will be blanketed with native species such as California buckwheat, white and black sage, bush sunflower, and the state’s iconic poppies. The landscape design features rolling dips and knolls meant to mimic the terrain animals would naturally encounter, offering both open views for deer and sheltered routes for smaller creatures. By mid-2026, the bridge is expected to resemble a true piece of wilderness suspended above the freeway.
When finished, the wildlife crossing will span 210 feet, connecting the Santa Monica Mountains with the Simi Hills and beyond. Once fully established, it’s expected to serve as a lifeline for mountain lions, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, and countless smaller species.