On Dec. 12, communities across the country will observe the inaugural National Wildlife Crossings Day, a new annual recognition created to highlight the importance of safe, connected pathways for wildlife along American roadways. Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy is joining the celebration by marking the 5th anniversary of the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, one of the largest mixed-use Wildlife Crossings in the United States and a nationally recognized model for urban conservation.
““This bridge represents our city’s commitment to coexistence — where nature and people are equally at home.””
Opened in 2020, the land bridge reconnects natural habitats divided by Wurzbach Parkway and is designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) by giving animals a safe, protected route to cross. Since its opening, wildlife cameras have documented bobcats, foxes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, opossums and other species using the crossing to move between the park's east and west sides.
"This bridge represents our city's commitment to coexistence — where nature and people are equally at home," said former Mayor Phil Hardberger, for whom the park is named.
“We hope it inspires others to imagine how Wildlife Crossings can strengthen communities everywhere — and bring people just a little closer to nature.”
National Wildlife Crossings Day highlights a growing national effort to build wildlife-friendly infrastructure that restores habitat connectivity and improves safety for both drivers and animals. As cities across the country look for ways to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and support ecological health, the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge has become a leading example of how thoughtful design can benefit both the environment and the community.
"Our land bridge shows what's possible when a city invests in nature, safety and stewardship," said Melissa Kazen, executive director of Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy. "We hope it inspires others to imagine how Wildlife Crossings can strengthen communities everywhere — and bring people just a little closer to nature."
To honor the day, the Conservancy invites the public to visit the land bridge on Dec. 12, enjoy a little time outdoors and learn more about the value of Wildlife Crossings in an urban landscape. Visitors are encouraged to share photos on social media using #WildlifeCrossingDay.
The Conservancy plans to expand its educational and community engagement efforts around National Wildlife Crossings Day in future years.
For more information about Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy and the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, visit PhilHardbergerPark.org.
About Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy
Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining, enhancing, and expanding the programs, facilities, and natural resources of Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio, Texas. Working in partnership with the City of San Antonio, the Conservancy supports environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and community engagement within the park's 330 acres of restored natural landscape. The Conservancy promotes the park as a model for urban conservation and a place where people and wildlife can thrive together.