P-22 Festival Recap: Native Plants, Wildlife, and Conservation Conversations

2 weekends ago, we stopped by the annual P-22 Festival, celebrating the legacy of Los Angeles’ beloved mountain lion and the wild spaces that make Southern California special.

The event was packed with amazing booths featuring local artists, conservation groups, and native plant nurseries. We couldn’t resist bringing home two California native plant species: Lilac Verbena (Verbena lilacina )and  California White Sage (Salvia apiana) both perfect for supporting pollinators and adding natural beauty to local gardens.

One of the most engaging parts of the day was hearing about the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, currently under construction in Agoura Hills. Biologists and conservation advocates shared how this bridge will reconnect fragmented habitats across the 101 Freeway, allowing mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife to safely travel between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills. The project represents a major step toward restoring ecological balance and preventing the genetic isolation that once threatened animals like P-22 himself.

[An image of a board post depicting the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing bridge, and the many species that will benefit.]

[An image of a graveyard of all the mountain lions that have tragically passed from dangerous freeway crossing. One tomb states: "How many more have to die?" This was created by a group of elementary students.]

We also spoke with with several biologists and conservationists about the urgent need to protect the Channel Islands fox. These small, endemic foxes are facing new ecological challenges that threaten their stability on the islands. It was inspiring to hear how local researchers and volunteers are working to preserve their habitat and ensure their survival.

[An image of a Channel Island Fox taxidermied.]

Events like the P-22 Festival remind us how connected our communities are to the local environment and how small actions, like planting native species or staying informed, can help protect California’s incredible biodiversity.

We left feeling inspired, dirt under our fingernails, and a renewed appreciation for the wild world right in our backyard.