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So You Want To Know What's Behind The Sign.

What's behind the big yellow sign, you ask?

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You mean besides two birthday suit–wearing UCSC recreationistas who spend every spare moment cycling, kayaking, backpacking and otherwise communing with Mother Nature? You mean, what could Allison and Peter find so exciting about a wildlife crossing under Highway 17 that they were willing to shuck off their skivvies and tell the whole world about it?

It's really very simple. Roads like Highway 17 present raccoons, foxes, rattlesnakes, deer—and, crucially, Santa Cruz mountain lions—with two bad choices. Either remain trapped in a stagnant gene pool, or follow their instincts, brave the deadly traffic, and risk paying the ultimate price. Since 2007, 13 mountain lions have died on Highway 17, and hundreds of deer have perished.

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County wants to change that. A wildlife crossing at Laurel Curve would link two areas that are heavily used by pumas and other creatures, giving them a safe way to obey Nature's directive. Before Caltrans begins work, though, the property on either side must be protected from development. By Dec. 31, 2014 Land Trust seeks to raise $1 million to purchase 280 acres to the east of Laurel Curve.

We support your decision to keep your clothes on, but now is the time to step up!