Los Angeles is making history with the construction of the Wallis Annenberg wildlife crossing, the largest wildlife bridge in the world. This impressive structure aims to reconnect the fragmented habitat of the Santa Monica mountain range, providing safe passage for local wildlife threatened by the busy 101 freeway. The project, which started in 2022, is funded through a public-private partnership that covers its $92m costs.
The crossing’s design, unlike traditional wildlife bridges, seamlessly blends into the environment and serves as a message to humans about the importance of preserving nature. It has been meticulously planned with expert consultants in research and design. The soil used for the crossing is carefully engineered to support native plants and create a biodiverse environment. Once the soil is in place, 5,000 native plants will be planted, providing essential habitat for various species.
The completion of the project, set for 2026, will mark a significant milestone in the efforts to protect local wildlife and promote biodiversity in the region. The crossing is not just a structure, but a symbol of the connection between humans and wildlife, even in an urban area like Los Angeles. The hope is that this project will inspire other communities to prioritize wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in their urban planning efforts.
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