During the school year of 2015, Zack Pollack and Brett Sametz embarked on a long, treacherous research project to answer one question;

What animals (mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) could potentially lose their homes if the proposed plan to cut down Red Oak Woods is put into action?

They began their research by investigating the “proposed plan.” In an article published by The Highlander in October of 2014, the plan was described as a way to; meet 21st-century educational needs, bring facilities up to current standards, and ensure long-term financial viability. Although the reasons for demolition seem legitimate, Zack and Brett felt there was more information that the members of the Highland Park community needed before choosing to support or oppose this decision. After spending an immense amount of time taking pictures and gathering data about the animals inhabiting the woods, they were ready to condense their findings into a PowerPoint presentation. Their goal; to inform and educate the residents of Highland Park about the animals living amongst them, as well as shed more light onto the destruction of a habitat within their own community. Below is the complete list of animals researched.

Blue spotted salamander, Tiger salamander, Bull frog, Wood frog, Northern water snake, Eastern garter snake, Little brown bat, Indiana bat, Red bellied woodpecker, Yellow bellied sapsucker, Coyote, White-tailed deer.

For more information or if you would like to view Zack and Brett’s presentation, please contact one of the HPHS Environmental Science teachers.