Native plants take root in next phase of wildlife crossing construction over 101 Freeway

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- Crews have planted the seeds for a greener future over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.

On Tuesday, they began installing nearly 5,000 native plants on what will be the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing . It's part of a 1-acre habitat designed to reconnect wildlife separated by the freeway.

The project uses seeds collected within five miles of the crossing to ensure the habitat mirrors the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. Crews placed the first layers of soil over the surface of the crossing earlier this year.

The crossing, specifically designed to attract the maximum amount of species, will be the largest of its kind in the world.

It's set to be completed next fall.