A unique environmental initiative is underway at Columbus Downtown High School, where students are actively engaged in capturing and studying an invasive species of lizard that has recently spread to the area. The common European wall lizard, originally brought to Cincinnati by a vacationing family, has now made its way to Columbus, raising concerns about its potential impact on local ecosystems.

In collaboration with Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio State University, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife, environmental science classes led by Mister Hitoskie are taking the lead on this project. Students have received training in capturing techniques and handling practices, equipping them to tackle the lizard population before it expands further into the city.

"This is a unique opportunity," said Hitoskie. "Very rarely do we catch an invasive species before it spreads far out. If we can remove them now, it will be one of the few examples of successfully eradicating an invasive species before it takes hold."

To facilitate the capture, the school has cleared vegetation from the parking lot, making it easier to spot the lizards. Ceramic tiles have been placed around the area to provide artificial cover, as the lizards prefer hiding under rocks rather than in dense vegetation.

The initiative not only aims to protect Ohio's native wildlife but also serves as a hands-on learning experience for students, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. If successful, this project could set a precedent for future efforts to manage invasive species in urban settings.