The National Aquarium in Baltimore is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Harbor Wetland, a 10,000-square-foot floating wetland that mimics the Inner Harbor’s original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat. Situated between Piers 3 and 4 on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this unique attraction is a testament to the Aquarium’s commitment to environmental conservation and innovation.
Harbor Wetland is a captivating blend of science, education, and public engagement. Visitors can stroll along the docks and walkways, immersing themselves in the vibrant ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. Interpretive signage and seasonal changes provide an engaging learning experience, highlighting the sights and sounds of the bustling harbor.
This groundbreaking habitat is a testament to years of research and collaboration. The Aquarium’s conservation and exhibit fabrication teams have developed sustainable innovations to create a thriving ecosystem. Recycled plastic matting planted with native tidal wetland shrubs and grasses forms the foundation of the wetland, providing microhabitats for dozens of native species. The matting is treated with a UV protectant for durability and secured to a system of air-regulated pontoons, ensuring adjustable buoyancy as the wetland grows.
Water circulates through the wetland’s shallow channel via compressed air pumped into the channel by strategically placed airlifts. This innovative aeration system creates thousands of tiny bubbles that rise to the surface, moving water and releasing oxygen into the surrounding water. This oxygenation benefits aquatic species and replicates the natural tidal changes of a true tidal marsh.
Senator Van Hollen, a staunch supporter of Chesapeake Bay restoration, played a crucial role in securing federal funding for the project. He emphasizes the importance of this innovative approach to bringing Bay wildlife back to the Inner Harbor, serving as a living educational resource for generations to come.
The Aquarium’s team, led by General Curator Jack Cover, Director of Field Conservation Charmaine Dahlenburg, and Director of Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Paul Valiquette, has submitted applications for three scientific patents related to the buoyancy and aeration systems of Harbor Wetland. These patents, currently pending, represent a significant advancement in the field of floating wetland design.
The construction of Harbor Wetland was a collaborative effort involving a diverse group of partners. Baltimore-based architects Ayers Saint Gross, as architects of record, integrated the Aquarium’s scientific research into their design. Whiting-Turner served as the contractor, expertly navigating the unique challenges of this first-of-its-kind structure. Studio Gang, a Chicago-based firm, provided the initial concept design.
Harbor Wetland is not just an environmental triumph, it is also a testament to the power of collaboration. The Aquarium’s partnership with CFG Bank, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, The Bunting Family Philanthropies, Constellation, and a host of other private and public entities has made this vision a reality.
Harbor Wetland will serve as a hands-on classroom for the Aquarium’s conservation education programming, welcoming students from throughout the region. The Aquarium’s What Lives in the Harbor curriculum, a free science program available to all Baltimore City Public Schools sixth graders, will now culminate in a field trip to Harbor Wetland. Visitors can enjoy a stunning mural by Baltimore artist Nether on the Aquarium’s Pier 4 west-facing wall and soundscapes piped through the exhibit’s sound system.
The National Aquarium, a non-profit organization, is committed to connecting people with nature and inspiring a deep care for our ocean planet. Harbor Wetland stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the power of human ingenuity to restore and protect our natural world.
