The Crescenta Valley Group and their invited guests got an up-close look at the soon to be completed Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing being constructed over the busy 101 freeway in Agoura on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Our tour guide was Lauren Gill, CA Deputy Director, National Wildlife Federation and Vice President & Director of Programs, who gave us the history of this amazing construction that occupies 10 acres and which will reconnect a critical wildlife corridor in the Santa Monica Mountains and pull the region’s cougar population back from the brink of extinction. It was inspired by P-22, the cougar who crossed multiple freeways in L.A. and lived in Griffith Park for many years before losing his life after being hit by a car.
Our group got a mid-morning start in temperatures that soured into the high 90’s, but after climbing the hill to get a good view of the construction, we retreated to the shade and listened to Lauren’s talk about the decades of history to bring this project to life.
She told us about the core leadership team that oversees the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing which includes representatives from the National Wildlife Federation, Caltrans, the National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority. Leadership is also advised by a world-renowned design team led by a landscape architectural practice, Rock Design Associates, that collaborates with Caltrans and coordinates with a broad team of wildlife.
The highly-anticipated opening for the crossing is December 2, 2026 with a ribbon cutting and celebration. To donate to this cause, or for webcam access, details about the ribbon-cutting celebrations, FAQs, and more, go to: www.savelacougars.org, www.101wildlifecrossing.org, www.wildlifecrossingfund.org
By Pat Kramer