Around the Park: SP girl's essay on bay grasses wins student Naturalist Award

Alexandra Day, 16, of Severna Park, was one of 12 recipients of the American Museum of Natural History's Young Naturalist Award.

The program challenges youngsters to embark on their own scientific investigations and to document their research, observations, and analyses of the natural world.

Alexandra submitted a 2,500-word essay titled "Chesapeake Bay Grasses as a Solution to Nutrient Pollution." The essay included her research findings and analysis on the grasses, their impact on the Chesapeake Bay and generic historical facts about the country's largest estuary.

Alexandra, now entering 11th grade at...