Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy

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The Land Bridge Turns 1!

Teresa Shumaker

The 15th and final mammal species to bee seen on the Land Bridge. ALL mammals found in the park have now be sighted on the Land Bridge.

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

About the Land Bridge