The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills is one of Southern California’s most ambitious conservation and infrastructure projects. A bridge spanning over the US-101 (Ventura Freeway) near Liberty Canyon, this thoughtfully landscaped overpass is designed to reunite fragmented wildlife severed by decades of urban growth and freeway traffic. Now Docent Tours are available by reservation, and we are here to tell you exactly how to sign up…

📍 What Is the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing?

The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is not a traditional tourist bridge or pedestrian walkway — it is a wildlife overpass built specifically for animals such as mountain lions, bobcats, deer, coyotes, and other native species. Covered with native vegetation and designed to mimic the natural landscape, the crossing allows wildlife to safely travel across the busy 10-lane 101 freeway that otherwise isolates habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills, and prevents roadway dangers.

At approximately 210 feet long and 174 feet wide, this will be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world when completed — a global model for reconciling urban infrastructure with ecological conservation. 

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing (Annenberg Bridge) in Agoura Hills was funded through a public-private partnership, with money coming from a mix of private philanthropy, nonprofit fundraising, and public conservation funds earmarked for environmental protection, not routine highway budgets.

📅 Final Phase and Grand Opening

• The wildlife crossing is on track for completion in 2026. 

• Final phase includes: adjoining slopes, connecting the bridge to natural terrain on both sides via earthwork, tunnel work near Agoura Road, and ongoing planting of native shrubs, grasses, and trees grown from over 1 million locally sourced seeds. (ABC7 Los Angeles)

• Grand Opening Docent Tours are by reservation only - Because this is an ecological conservation structure, not a public park or pedestrian path, access is restricted to preserve wildlife behavior and safety. 

🚶‍♂️ How to attend Docent-Led Tours of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

Ahead of its official opening expected in late 2026, the Agoura Hills Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing team offers docent-led tours that give the public a rare, early look at the world’s largest wildlife crossing. These guided walks explore the impact, design, and purpose of the crossing — built to safely reconnect wildlife habitats divided by the US-101 Freeway and benefit species like mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and more.

The Annenberg Bridge tours are free, approximately 50 minutes long, and include insights from conservation experts and trained docents on:

• The engineering and ecological design of the crossing

• How wildlife will use the structure to move safely between natural habitats

• The habitat restoration efforts happening right now

• Local wildlife ecology and conservation goals

📍 Reservations are required and can be made through the official site. Reserve your docent tour here:
🔗 https://101wildlifecrossing.org/docent-tours/

Because tours are very popular and dates often fill quickly, new dates are added weekly (typically Mondays and Fridays). If no openings are currently shown, check back frequently or sign up here for email updates.

🌿 What This Means for Most Agoura Hills Homeowners

🏡 Increased Property Value Perception

• The Annenberg Bridge Crossing enhances Agoura Hills’ reputation as a nature-forward community deeply connected to open spaces — appealing to buyers who value environmental stewardship, scenic beautification, and outdoor living.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Quality of Life & Community Identity

• This world-class project helps define Agoura Hills as a place that prioritizes eco-innovation and sustainable infrastructure. It gives local residents a unique talking point when attracting new neighbors, businesses, and eco-tourism opportunities.

🚗 Traffic & Construction Impact

• Homeowners near Agoura Road have experienced periodic daytime closures and detours due to final phase construction. These impacts are temporary and planned with community outreach to minimize disruption — and are expected to lessen in 2026 as the bridge nears completion. (Caltrans)

🐾 Environmental & Wildlife Benefits

• Reconnecting habitat can reduce animal-vehicle collisions and promote healthier wildlife populations (including mountain lions and deer) — contributing to a safer local ecosystem and less road danger for drivers and pets alike.

🏆 How Much Did the Annenberg Crossing Cost? 

The total estimated cost of the Agoura Hills Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is around $90–100 million, with about 50–60 % covered by private donations and the rest coming from public conservation funds and state grants. According to official project FAQs, the crossing did not draw general transportation tax money meant for roads or bridges; instead, public contributions were primarily from conservation-focused funding streams and bond measures earmarked for environmental protection, not routine highway budgets.

🌎 A Legacy for Future Generations

The Annenberg Bridge isn’t just a local project — it’s a world benchmark for how cities and communities might bridge the gap between urban life and wild ecosystems. For Agoura Hills, it’s a landmark that blends environmental responsibility with community awareness. 

If you want updates on how the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Bridge affects home values in Agoura Hills, upcoming tours or completion announcements, just let me know! Lydia@lydiagable.com