Can grasses that are native to the Chesapeake Bay reduce nitrate and nitrate concentrations? See what this Maryland young naturalist learned by growing the grasses in a simulated environment.

I went on a class field trip to Fernwood Botanic Garden in southwest Michigan when I was in sixth grade. When we toured the restored prairie, the naturalist told us about invasive non-native plants such as garlic mustard and how they destroy native habitats. Most of my class was bored, but I was amazed. I wanted to learn more, especially because my grandfather owns a section of prairie in southwest Michigan. About five years ago, he completed a prairie restoration on some of his land, and I wanted to know if he also had non-native plants growing in his prairie.

Seeing the forests around him exploited for commercial use prompted this young naturalist to student the long-term effects of herbicides in reforestation.

Long fascinated with phototropism in night-flying insects, this young naturalist hypothesized that moths would be active in greater numbers at approximately 2:30 a.m. and then set out to test his hypothesis.

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in primates’ social interactions. This young naturalists set out to study how gorillas pair facial expressions and gestures to communicate.

Did you know birds have better color vision than humans? But what about sheep? This young naturalist used a behavioral assay to compare the color vision of sheep with chickens.

Superabsorbent hydrogels are used quite effectively in diapers and contact lenses. Can their properties be used to help conserve water by retaining moisture in soil? See what this young naturalist discovered.

A recent snorkeling visit to a favorite childhood beach raised this young naturalist’s concerns about degradation of marine ecosystems, particularly coral health decline. Find out what she learned from her research into coral mucus.

This young naturalist hypothesized that limited fishing would decrease the average age of fish found in a stream and increase the overall health of the remaining fish. Find out if his hypothesis proved true.

This young naturalist decided to test the field where she practiced with marching band after it was designated as an EPA site. See what she learned about the field’s safety.