A year ago today, we were celebrating the opening of the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge. In one year we have celebrated many milestones: The Skywalk was completed, 7.5 miles of trails in the park were connected, thousands have crossed the Land Bridge, and wildlife were discovering this safe passage. People from all walks of life — families, friends, school groups, and those searching for solitude and nature — have crossed safely from one side of the park to the other protected from the six lanes of traffic below.
In April, a study was launched by the Park Naturalists to determine how wildlife are using the Land Bridge. With the most recent sighting of a Striped Skunk, ALL species of mammals found in the park have been photographed on the Land Bridge.
“We have detected every mammal I would expect to see in Hardberger Park, as well as a domestic cat, on the Land Bridge,” said Park Naturalist Jewell Lee Cozort, one of two Park Naturalists conducting the study. “The whole gang is here!” said Park Naturalist Casey Cowan in celebration, the other naturalist on the study.
“Habitat fragmentation is a growing issue,” said Jewell. “Connecting habitat ‘islands’ and protecting them from crossing major roadways, such as Wurzbach Parkway, is key to conserving wildlife.”
San Antonians should feel pride knowing that this feat of conservation has successfully provided a safe passageway for every mammal found in the park in its first year of existence!
"It is because of the generosity and the advocacy of the people of San Antonio that this bridge exists,” said Phil Hardberger. “I hope the people of San Antonio enjoy it. It will be their bridge, forever."
Thank you, everyone, for helping make San Antonio’s newest landmark a success!
Wildlife Seen on Land Bridge
Explore More
Click here to explore the Land Bridge with this interactive spherical image from Aerial Airborne Photography!
In the News
The Land Bridge and wildlife seen on the bridge have gathered some excellent attention. Here are the links to some of the highlighted stories:
About Wildlife Crossing
KSAT 12 News: November 15, 2021: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/11/15/new-rarely-seen-ringtail-spotted-on-land-bridge-at-san-antonios-phil-hardberger-park/
Landscape Architecture: August 18, 2021: https://www.archpaper.com/2021/08/this-new-san-antonio-land-bridge-enables-people-and-animals-to-safely-cross-a-busy-highway/
Texas Monthly: August 12, 2021: https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/texas-wildlife-crossings-saving-lives-and-money/
The Express News: July 19, 2021: https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/The-scientists-said-it-would-work-Wildlife-16322182.php#photo-21249301
Fox News San Antonio: June 22, 2021: https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/caught-on-camera-opossums-bunnies-coyotes-and-deer-using-land-bridge
LMT Online: June 22, 2021: https://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-land-bridge-wildlife-crossing-photos-16265072.php
Texas Pulbic Radio: June 22, 2021: https://www.tpr.org/environment/2021-06-22/animals-spotted-crossing-nations-largest-wildlife-bridge-at-san-antonios-hardberger-park
My San Antonio: Jue 22, 2021: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-land-bridge-wildlife-crossing-photos-16265072.php
New York Times: May 31, 2021: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/31/climate/wildlife-crossings-animals.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
About the Land Bridge
Texas Highways: January 4, 2021: With a New Land Bridge, San Antonio Provides a Safe Passage for People and Wildlife
San Antonio Express-News: January 2, 2021: ‘How can you go wrong when you bet on nature?’ – As his namesake park’s land bridge becomes reality, former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger looks back
Austin Chronicle: January 1, 2021: Day Trips: Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, San Antonio
Texas Parks & Wildlife: December 2020 Issue: Land Bridge Connects Park in San Antonio
HuffPost: December 12, 2020: New Land Bridge Opens to Help Wildlife, People Safely Cross Texas Parkway
Texas Public Radio: December 10, 2020: Largest Wildlife Bridge in U.S. opens Friday at San Antonio’s Hardberger Park
Texas Public Radio: December 10, 2020: The Source: Former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger Talks Alamo Plan, Land Bridge Opening, Local Pandemic Response
San Antonio Express-News Op-Ed: December 5, 2020: Hardberger: Land bridge will serve people, animals for generations
San Antonio Public Works Department: Dec. 2, 2020: Public Works update on Land Bridge Construction
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Youtube Channel: Nov. 27,2020: PAR Park Bench Video