Agoura view

The concept of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing at Liberty Canyon began three decades ago, when scientists attached radio collars to mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes and began tracking their movements. The resulting maps identified the Ventura Freeway (US-101) at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills as a primary crossing point for the animals. Much of the surrounding land was privately owned, and local agencies worked together to acquire it and permanently protect it from development. Now in the finishing stages, the bridge – which stretches across 10 lanes of freeway and an access road -- is the final link in the process and will connect the Santa Monica Mountains with the Simi Hills to provide a safe vegetated passage for animals between two critical inter-mountain range habitats. 

From this bench, the second of three along a single trail ascending south into the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s possible to witness the area’s vast ecosystem – and perhaps even begin to understand its complexity. 

Facing south, above and away from the wildlife crossing and the US-101 freeway, the bench overlooks hundreds of acres of contiguous open space covering prime coastal and chaparral habitat that nurtures all types of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. In spring, the area is alive with hummingbirds, scrub jays, butterflies, lizards and snakes. It’s a joyful reminder of the state’s wild heritage and the promise of a long, sustainable future.