Highway to Heaven with Beth Pratt and P-22, The Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills

In this special episode of Farm Talk, sponsored by petrx.com, we delve into an extraordinary wildlife conservation project with our esteemed guest, Beth Pratt, the California Regional Director of the National Wildlife Federation. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking animal crossing over highway 101 near Agoura Hills CA.  Beth shares the inspiring story of her "BFF" and the world-famous mountain lion, P-22, whose journey highlighted the dangers of highway crossings for wildlife. Discover how freeways not only pose fatal risks to animals but also genetically isolate them, threatening their survival. From the project's inception in the late 2000s to Beth's involvement in 2012, learn about the collaboration between the National Park Service, Caltrans, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the National Wildlife Federation. Beth recounts overcoming skepticism, the challenges of building in a difficult location, and the impressive dimensions of the crossing. Hear about the vital role P-22 and other wildlife play in this project, the research and fundraising efforts, and the significant contributions from figures like Wallis Annenberg and Leonardo DiCaprio. Discover the local support from Agoura Hills, the Save the L.A. Cougars campaign, and the community’s enthusiasm, including spectator interest during construction. Learn about volunteer programs and how you can stay informed via their online platforms. Join us for an inspiring journey into wildlife conservation and the heroic efforts to save California’s mountain lions. Special thanks to our sponsor, petrx.com!

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Watch the Full Episode HERE

What you will learn in this episode:

0:00 This is a special episode of Farm Talk that is sponsored by PETRX.com (See above for 20% off your first order with petrx.com)

0:33 Introduction of our episode guest, the California Regional Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Beth Pratt and our topic: The animal crossing over highway 101 in The Santa Monica Mountains.

1:10 Beth Pratt tells us the story of who her, self-proclaimed, “BFF,” and world famous mountain lion, P-22

1:37 Paul explains the problem with animal deaths because of trying to cross major highways

2:36 Beth Pratt describes the beauty of the LA area and its surroundings and how P-22 brought attention to the fact that not only are the freeways in these areas causing animals to be killed by vehicles when the animals are trying to cross, but that the freeways are genetically isolating the animals and causing them risk of extinction

6:08 The history of this project is explained by Beth Pratt starting from its infancy in the late 2000’s to when she got involved in 2012.

8:25 The core group collaborating on this project has been The National Park Service, Caltrans, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and then Beth’s group, the National Wildlife Federation

10:02 Beth Pratt shares how in the beginning there was a lot of skepticism about the project and some of things that they had to overcome to get the project started

11:13 This crossing was built in the one of the most difficult places it could be built

12:01 The dimensions of the crossing are shared by Beth

12:50 Beth Pratt shares how P-22 and mountain lions are most at risk of extinction and the reasons why

14:27 Other wildlife and how they are impacted by the building of the crossing

15:48 From inception to now, Beth talks about the research, grants, etc

16:39 Funding for this project has come from both government grants and private donations, which The National Wildlife Federation worked hard at fundraising for.

18:07 More about mountain lions, the territories, the number in the Santa Monica Mountain area and the importance of this crossing for their genetic exchange

19:17 The crossing is named the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Corridor because Wallis Annenberg was the largest donator at 25 Million, and other big names, like Leonardo DiCaprio, join in by donating

21:52 California Governor, Gavin Newosme’s involvement

23:13 P-22 gave this project a story to share the importance of it being completed and Beth Pratt explains P-22’s almost impossible journey with crossing the highway numerous times

26:55 California is looking at building other animal crossings, possible in the Bay Area

28:08 Local support and Beth Pratt praises the city of Agoura Hills and surrounding areas for their support and the Save the L.A. Cougars campaign which was started in 2014

31:09 There have even been spectators during the construction of this crossing and what to expect if you were to come watch for animals actually crossing the bridge and the cameras set up to share as well

33:24 The volunteers, the docent programs, and the training involved for the volunteers to work the docent program

36:22 How to learn more via their websites and Facebook and Instagram

37:19 Thank you to our special sponsor: petrx.com

 

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Viral Vet Tales: Unveiling Holistic Animal Care with Dr. Rhiannon Fenton

Hear what all the buzz is about in Camarillo with commercial beekeeper Larry Pender

 

Learn More Here:
savelacougars.org
101wildlifecrossing.org

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Petrx.com! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Petrx.com. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.