You’ll Be Amazed By These Wildlife Bridges

You’ll Be Amazed By These Wildlife Bridges

Wildlife bridges or “green” bridges are reducing the number of wildlife-related traffic incidents and providing safe pathways for animals. 

In the United States, there are more than a million automobile accidents each year involving wildlife. Our expansive network of interstates and highways cuts off the natural animal pathways disrupting habitats and populations. With natural corridors blocked, crossing the road is dangerous. Sadly, it is deadly for animals and people. It is also expensive. The annual cost is more than $8 billion in medical expenses and vehicle repairs.

We all know the saying, “Why did the chicken cross the road…or deer or bear or elk or any other wildlife? To get to the other side.” But what if natural wildlife crossings are blocked?

In their attempt to get to the other side, animals are being killed and losing access to large parts of their living space. Animals without sufficient connected habitats end up with difficulty finding food and mates. A population needs enough connected habitat to be healthy and sustainable.  

The good news, we can do something about it and we are.

 

We are creating special-purpose natural wildlife bridges to reconnect natural habitats.
Wildlife Crossing Flathead Reservation

Wildlife Crossing Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana

Established in 1885 this wildlife reservation covers 1,938 square miles of wilderness. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds. This crossing is essential to maintaining the flow of wildlife in the region.

The concept of building wildlife bridges or “green crossings” came about in France in the 1950s. 

Here are a few examples:

  • The Dutch built the world’s longest animal crossing, the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo, an overpass that spans more than 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles).
  • Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada provides 6 overpasses and 38 underpasses for wildlife to cross the Trans-Canada Highway.
  • Arizona has built at least 20 wildlife passageways, reducing animal-related traffic accidents by 90%.
  • Washington state is completing a wildlife bridge over Interstate I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass.

We invite you to visit wildlife bridges or “green crossings” around the globe through our OPL INSIGHT interactive map.

 

Dairy-free Chocolate Avocado Dip with Fruit

Dairy-free Chocolate Avocado Dip with Fruit

This Dairy-free Chocolate Avocado Dip with Fruit is the perfect dish for summer picnics or your next potluck gathering. It is as nutritious as it is delicious.  It is easy to make and is a crowd pleaser. Kids love it, too!

Serve with fresh fruit.  Makes a party platter for 6-8 people.

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 Large Ripe (soft but not mushy) Avocados
  • ½ Cup Real Maple Syrup
  • ⅔ Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • ½ Tbs Real Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Tbs Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk)
  • Pinch of salt

 

  • Strawberries, bananas, and apples, for dipping
Cucumbers
Instructions:

Cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit.  Scoop the flesh of the avocado out of the skin with a large spoon. Put it onto a cutting board and mash the avocado with a fork to soften. Add the avocado mash to a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. If you prefer it to be slightly thinner, add a bit more of the plant-based milk.

Wash and slice your fruit into bite size chunks. When serving for a party, I like to keep a small piece of the banana peel on each piece to serve as a natural spoon. Put the chocolate avocado dip into a bowl surrounded by your prepared fruit and garnish with a sprig of mint.  Enjoy!

Chef Amy

Recipe compliments of Home Chef and OPL CMO Amy Bates.

Learn more about Amy.

OPL Plant-rich Recipes

Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and the planet.  Find more delicious OPL-recommended plant-rich recipes here.

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