Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing’s December opening to be kicked off with public celebration

CALABASAS, Calif. (CNS) — Preparations were underway Friday for the December ribbon-cutting celebration of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, which will coincide with the launch of a new conservation partnership.

The Dec. 2 events will include a public celebration at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the crossing that will be streamed live, according to the National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign and the Wildlife Crossing Fund. Details on how to watch the live stream will be announced at a later date.

The event will also mark the launch of a partnership between the National Wildlife Federation and the Wildlife Crossing Fund to support long- term research and native habitat restoration at the crossing and advance wildlife connectivity projects elsewhere.

“What a momentous time for all of us who have watched this crossing go from an impossible dream to an actual structure rising over the freeway that will ensure the future of mountain lions and all wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains,” Beth Pratt, president and CEO of the Wildlife Crossing Fund, said in a statement.

Pratt said the ribbon-cutting represents “a beginning, not an ending,” with research and habitat restoration expected to continue after construction is completed.

The crossing spans the 101 Freeway and will be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world, according to organizers.

The project is intended to reconnect wildlife habitat fragmented by the freeway, allowing mountain lions and other animals to move between areas of the Santa Monica Mountains.