Imagine a California where both wildlife and people thrive — where animals can safely roam mountains, coastlines, deserts, and valleys, retracing ancient migration routes that connect wildlife from Canada to Mexico.
Through vision, science, and action, we are reconnecting landscapes to make that California a reality.
CONNECTING CALIFORNIA
California presents a unique opportunity to create a continuous corridor for wildlife.
With the nation’s largest population and some of the greatest diversity of species on Earth, keeping animals like pumas, tortoises, and deer on the move will demand innovation and collaboration. California’s proud legacy of bold action, paired with its commitment to protect 30% of lands by 2030, offers an opportunity to make that vision real. It’s clear that we need to go beyond just protecting California’s lands.
We need to connect them.
Our vision of a reconnected landscape extends far beyond the state. California is a vital link in the Pacific Wildway, a habitat corridor that could sustain iconic species for millennia. By protecting key lands in California, we can ensure that wildlife continue to move freely and safely not just within California, but across the continent
OUR APPROACH
Science
Connectivity is a concept rooted in science — we use foundational ecological tools and concepts throughout our projects to meet the needs of wildlife.
Catalyzing Collaboration
We actively build networks among our partners — local and state agencies, scientists, engineers, land trusts, community organizations, and more — to raise the funds needed to make changes happen.
Connecting Science to Policy
We encourage policies that prioritize ecological connectivity across human-altered landscapes. Wildlife ignores jurisdictional boundaries, and our policies must reflect that.
Advancing Innovative Policy
We draft and champion groundbreaking laws that reshape infrastructure and land-use planning—creating passage for wildlife, safer roads for people, and landscapes that remain connected for generations to come.
We’re a small team with a grand vision: to establish a wildway where life, in all of its diversity, can thrive.
With your support, we can galvanize and sustain the initiatives needed to reconnect California's habitats and help wildlife recover.
Our Work in Action
Tracking Wildlife Movement
Studing wildlife movement to prioritize connectivity and crossing priorities
Highlighting Priority Areas for Wildlife Crossings
A comprehensive map of wildlife crossings across the state
Connecting Science to Policy
Shaping land use and transportation planning to keep wildlife connected
Giving Safe Passage in the Desert
Advancing crossing projects across the desert’s busiest roads
Our Impact
We are advancing wildlife crossings and landscape connectivity to allow wildlife to roam and thrive across the state.
These are some of our recent impacts.
In compliance with the Safe Roads & Wildlife Protection Act, Caltrans identified over 100 priority wildlife crossings across California that will be incorporated in transportation projects and plans.
To help data-driven implementation of the Room to Roam Act, Wildlands Network shared guidance to city and county planners on incorporating wildlife connectivity in local land-use planning.
The US 395 Wildlife Overcrossing Project Team, including Wildlands Network, selected priority locations for a new wildlife overcrossing.
Wildlands Network helped secure $5.8 million to U.C. Davis to plan and design wildlife overcrossing on Interstate 8.
Meet Our California Team
Mari Galloway, J.D.
California Program Director
Sacramento, California, U.S.
California Program /
Pacific Wildway
Christina Aiello, Ph.D.
California Wildlife Biologist
Joshua Tree, California
California Program /
Pacific Wildway
Gillian Roy
California Program Coordinator
San Francisco, California, U.S.
California Program /
Pacific Wildway
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What’s Next
Balancing Recreation & Conservation in Tahoe & Beyond
Smarter Planning and Stronger Collaboration to find the balance
Helping Bighorn Sheep Cross I-8 Safely
See how we are working with partners to prioritize and build wildlife crossings in Southern California
Calling for more wildlife openings along the border wall
Stay tuned for more on our work along the California / Mexico border.
Prioritizing Wildlife Crossings on 395
New wildlife crossings along 395 will give safe passage to a range of wildlife on the move
The Latest
Photo credits in order: Pathways for Wildlife, Christina Aiello, Wildlands Network, Wildlands Network, Wildlands Network, Pathways for Wildlife, Christina Aiello, Pathways for Wildlife, Wildlands Network, Wildlands Network, Janene Colby, Christina Aiello; Wildlands Network, Christina Aiello, EcoFlight, Janene Colby, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Patrick Emblidge, Pathways for Wildlife, Mari Galloway, Aspen Stevanovski
Together, we can forge a new path where
people and wildlife can thrive together
Donate today to make roads safer for wildlife and drivers.
Together, we can build a world where humans and animals peacefully coexist.
