Shellie Collier on building infrastructure to support wildlife

A highway wildlife crossing under construction

Shellie Collier

Shellie Collier is passionate about wildlife conservation and has been intimately involved in the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a project that will span 10 lanes of Highway 101 and reestablish ecological connectivity in the Santa Monica Mountains. A dedicated WWF supporter, Collier is both a Leadership Partner and a Legacy Circle member.

Tell us about your involvement with the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to wildlife all over the world and is certainly a big challenge for Santa Monica mountain lions and other local animals. We know the famous LA mountain lion P-22 likely had to cross two major freeways to get to his new home in Griffith Park. I’m a volunteer and docent for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which is being built with money raised from P-22 fans and donors from all over the world and scheduled for completion in 2026. Said to be the largest wildlife overpass in the world, it could represent a global model for urban wildlife conservation and coexistence.

What inspired your connection with WWF?

Conservation and a love of the natural world are the largest part of my identity. I grew up loving the outdoors, and my career as a project manager is focused on green project management and consulting. When I was financially in a place to give, it was important to find an organization that not only aligned with my values but also had a solid plan for solving some of our biggest environmental challenges. WWF does both.

Are you hopeful for the future of nature?

I’m dedicating the rest of my life to the natural world, and part of my legacy will be through WWF—they will use the hard-earned money I’ve donated to implement solutions well beyond my lifetime. Like the Greek proverb about a society improving when people plant trees in whose shade they will never sit, I know WWF—and other organizations like it—are working for a better future. We might not see the shade right away, but future generations will.

For more information about the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, visit 101wildlifecrossing.org.

 

Mountain lion P-22 in Griffith Park.

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