“Restoring Nature’s Connective Tissue: The Story of Wetlands Restoration in South Baltimore”

South Baltimore is undergoing a massive redevelopment project along the neglected shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay, spearheaded by Brad Rogers and Brett Berkley. The $200 million investment aims to double in the next five years, with a focus on wetlands restoration as the first line of defense against storm surge and climate change.

Rogers, the executive director of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, is overseeing the restoration of 50 acres of wetlands, starting with an 11-acre project near the Brooklyn neighborhood. The wetlands will serve as a natural barrier against sea level rise and storm surges, protecting nearby critical infrastructure like MedStar Harbor Hospital and a BGE oil and gas facility.

The Hanover Street project, funded with $11.5 million, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and is the first in a series of projects along the 11-mile Middle Branch shoreline. The restoration of wetlands in South Baltimore is crucial for climate resilience, as the area has historically suffered from disinvestment and is vulnerable to extreme weather events.

The Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda has allocated billions of dollars for nature-based solutions in infrastructure development. The National Climate Resilience Framework, rolled out last September, emphasizes the importance of nature-based approaches in climate policies and actions.

Meanwhile, the National Aquarium in Baltimore has opened a floating wetlands exhibition, showcasing over 2,000 square feet of marshes that aim to improve water quality in the Inner Harbor. Curator Jack Cover believes that wetlands serve as nature’s connective tissue, supporting a diverse ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.

Further north on the Patapsco River, Dr. Eric Schott, a marine researcher at the University of Maryland, is studying the impact of wetland restoration on fish populations. His graduate student, Ronita Sequeira, is comparing restored wetlands with non-restored sites to understand their effects on water quality and fish behavior.

While wetlands restoration is crucial for climate resilience and ecological benefits, challenges remain in ensuring the long-term success of these projects. Restoration science is still in its infancy, and careful assessment is needed to make wetlands resilient to climate change. Despite these challenges, wetlands and marshes are better equipped to withstand and mitigate storm surges compared to traditional engineering solutions like levees and seawalls.

The efforts to restore wetlands in urban estuaries like the Chesapeake Bay represent a step towards reconnecting with nature and providing valuable habitat for wildlife. The success of these projects will depend on long-term commitment from the city and its partners to support the communities and maintain the wetlands.

Overall, the restoration of wetlands in South Baltimore and the efforts at the National Aquarium highlight the importance of nature-based solutions in combating climate change and protecting vulnerable communities. Through these initiatives, communities are not only building resilience to climate impacts but also creating valuable natural spaces for both wildlife and residents to enjoy.