We all know that Roots & Shoots members are an awesome bunch of people. And other people are noticing it too.

The American Museum of Natural History recently named Caroline Wallace a Young Naturalist Award winner. A member of the National Youth Leadership Council from Houston, Texas, Caroline received the award for a scientific research project she did last school year.

The high school senior at the Kinkaid School was looking through old pictures of the city of Houston when she noticed that there was more Spanish moss in the trees pictured than there is in the same trees today. She wondered what made some trees in the city lose their Spanish moss while many trees were still draped with it.

With her curiosity piqued, Caroline set out to find some answers. She embarked on a long-term scientific research project that ultimately led to her award-winning essay, "Tillandsia usneoides: an Indicator to Air Pollution."

Caroline, who is an active Roots & Shoots member, reflects on her accomplishment and shares her insights on carrying out a research project:

From where did you draw inspiration for your research project on Tillandsia usneoides?
Besides drawing inspiration from the photo album, I was also motivated to research air pollution since I am in my school¿s Environmental Club. My family also enjoys the outdoors, so I was curious to see if the air pollution in Houston really is as bad as some people say.

How long did you work on the project?
I began actual experimenting in late November and completed it in March. I even had to go into school some Saturdays and Sundays to inject the pollutants into the sealed Environmental Study Chamber! The experiment took more than 60 days. However, as with most experiments, the primary step was background research in the library. I spent a couple weekends at the University of Houston and Rice University libraries researching Spanish moss and air pollution. The Internet was also a valuable resource, as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality posts the daily air pollution levels.

What was your favorite part of your project?
My favorite part of the project was doing the initial research in the library, because you uncover past experiments that people have done that relate to your project. Additionally, there are some answers that you cannot find, that allow you to ¿blaze your own trail.¿ For example, in one book it was stated that research on how plants react to carbon monoxide is limited. Thus, it was neat to see my results that Spanish moss is not harmed by carbon monoxide over a short-term period.

What was the most challenging part of your project?
It would probably be coming in every day (even Saturday and Sunday) to inject the pollutants. But even that was not that bad because the end results were definitely worth it!

What motivated you to keep working on the project even when things were difficult?
The teachers who were guiding me in the project provided support when my project hit a speed bump. But it was also determination and optimism that kept me working to find a solution to any problems that occurred¿there is a solution in almost all cases.

In your paper, you write about taking action to preserve the environment. Do you plan to take action through a Roots & Shoots project?
I am President of the Environmental Club and a member of the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Council, and we are working to get Styrofoam containers out of the cafeteria and more recycling bins around the school. We will have students fill out an Environmental Fact Trivia Survey, which is composed of 12 shocking environmental facts. The students¿ responses will be used on Earth Day, which we hope to make a large event.

How has your involvement with Roots & Shoots campaigns, such as the Tchimpounga Youth Campaign, shaped you, both as a student and as an individual?
Involvement with Roots & Shoots campaigns, and specifically the Tchimpounga Youth Campaign has taught me several things. I have learned to prioritize my time, deciding what needs to be done first when everything you have to do is important. This skill has helped me as a student. Also, I have become a better leader and communicator. In order to do any fundraising project, forms have to be filled out, administrators have to be contacted and club members have to be motivated and organized. Most importantly, you can not do a large project successfully by yourself, and you have to give credit to those who helped you.

What advice do you have for other young people who might want to begin a scientific research project and/or submit a project for the Young Naturalist Award?
The topic you choose does not have to be unique to the scientific world. However, it does have to be something that will capture your interest and curiosity and keep you motivated. A good project is not rushed but carried out methodically. Be patient, and start early. Results will come in time, even if they are the opposite of what you expected. And, most importantly perhaps, have fun doing the experiment. Who knows¿you may even discover something new!

Do you have a great idea for a project? Learn more about how you can submit your project for the Young Naturalist Award.