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March/April 2025 Newsletter
Port Perspectives: Celebrating Earth Day, Women’s History Month, and Advancing Careers
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Get the Scoop! Why Dredging is Essential for the Port of Baltimore
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Welcome to the Get the Scoop series, which will explore dredging and its critical role in keeping the Port of Baltimore running smoothly. |
Why Is Dredging Important?
Since its establishment in 1956, the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) has been dedicated to stimulating waterborne commerce. In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), MPA maintains 150 nautical miles of channels connecting the Port of Baltimore to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why Is Dredging Necessary?
Over time, wind and tidal action causes sediment buildup, which can make navigation difficult. To keep shipping channels open for commerce and safe passage, regular maintenance dredging is required to maintain the necessary depth and width for large cargo ships.
What Is Dredged Material?
Dredged material consists of sediment removed from the bottom of waterways, primarily composed of clay, silt, and sand.
How Much Dredged Material Is Involved?
Each year, approximately 4.7 million cubic yards of sediment is dredged from the Bay and Baltimore Harbor channels—enough to fill the Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium twice!
How does MPA plan for all of that Dredged Material?
Planning for the long-term placement and beneficial use of dredged material is a primary focus of the MPA Office of Navigation, Innovation, and Stewardship (NIS). This office implements the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP), established by the 2001 Dredged Material Management Act, which oversees and plans for dredged material placement.
Stay tuned for the next installment in our Get the Scoop series in the ECO Port Newsletter, which will continue to dig into the world of dredging, innovation, and sustainability!
Photo by MPA
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Mid-Bay Island Restoration Project Phase II Begins, Bringing Environmental & Economic Benefits for Local Watermen
As reported in the December 2024 edition of the ECO Port Newsletter, Barren Island Phase 1 of the Mid-Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project is complete—a major accomplishment in the effort to restore the severely eroded James Island and Barren Island in Dorchester County utilizing dredged material.
Barren Island Phase II construction began in January and is expected to last approximately three years. During this phase, workers will replace the foundation sediment below the northeast sill and construct the remaining northeast sill, interior confining structures, the southern spillway, and bird islands.
 Photo (above): A drone image of Barren Island looking north
Photo By Gahagan & Bryant Associates, Inc.
Dredging to Benefit Watermen & the Environment
In response to community outreach and conversations with local watermen, the project now includes dredging in the Honga River, which has experienced significant shoaling.
Through focused outreach to local watermen, USACE and MPA learned that incorporating Honga River dredging into the Barren Island design would restore an important route that saves fuel and travel time, improving efficiency and safety. USACE and MPA were able to facilitate the inclusion of Honga River dredging in the project so that Barren Island restoration will have a direct near-term benefit for neighboring watermen. The timing of this portion of the project will depend on overall construction progress.
Learn More and Stay Informed
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Celebrating Women in Maritime: Honoring Changemakers and Trailblazers & Inspiring the Next Generation
What’s in a name? At the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, it is a reflection of the pivotal role women play in the maritime industry—not just during Women’s History Month in March, but every day of the year.
The Port is committed to supporting the next generation of women through mentorship, workforce development, and student engagement to encourage maritime industry careers. According to the International Maritime Organization, data demonstrates that women account for only 29% of the overall workforce in the general industry and 20% of the workforce of national maritime authorities in member states.
Two inspiring events in March celebrated Baltimore’s female changemakers and trailblazers in the maritime and environmental sectors.
On March 12, the Women's Traffic and Transportation Club (WTTC) hosted “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” featuring Colonel Estee Pinchasin, who served as the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District. Since August of 2024, the Stanford University graduate has served as director of logistics at the National Security Agency. She shared insights on her fascinating career, the impact of mentorship, and what it’s like to rise through the ranks as a woman in the industry.
The fireside chat format of the event was moderated by MPA’s Katrina Jones, Program Manager for Education and Stakeholder Engagement and Vice President of WTTC. When asked about workplace mentors and what she learned from them, Col. Pinchasin explained that she had many mentors during her career who encouraged and stood up for her when necessary. “I learned more about the kind of leader I didn’t want to be from experiences with not so good leaders. I want to make sure my team has what they need to succeed and accomplish the mission.”
 Photo (above): The former commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, Colonel Estee Pinchasin, at WTTC’s “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Photo by Amira Hairston/MPA
On March 7, Masonville Cove, the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, owned by MPA, hosted “Wild & Fearless: A Vision Board Party at Masonville Cove,” highlighting some of the women innovators and change makers who have pioneered in the environmental space and arts, while also emphasizing the vital connection between environmental stewardship and the maritime industry.
“I had a lot of support and role models growing up that made me feel comfortable with being in nature and growing up and also wanting to explore that interest in protecting nature as a part of my job. My parents and late father took me camping as a kid. My father was a naturalist, so I got to see nature up-close sometimes,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ela Carpenter, one of the women featured at the Wild & Fearless event.
“The Port of Baltimore champions women in maritime, ensuring that the next generation has the resources, inspiration, and opportunities to thrive in the industry,” said MPA Outreach Coordinator Danielle Fisher.
 Photo: Vision boarding at Masonville Cove
Photo by Danielle Fisher/MPA
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Maryland Legislators Navigate General Assembly Session
During the 2025 Maryland General Assembly, state legislators grappled with tough decisions as Maryland faced a projected $3.2 billion deficit. Throughout the session, the MPA actively engaged with elected officials to provide updates on key projects, accomplishments, and challenges ahead.
One proposed bill, Senate Bill 168 – Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) Cells - Construction - Moratorium, would have prohibited the Maryland Department of the Environment from processing or making recommendations on applications for the construction of CAD cells between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2029. Additionally, the Maryland Board of Public Works would have been restricted from approving applications for CAD cell construction during the same period.
“Amendments to this bill helped alleviate MPA’s concerns regarding a four-year moratorium on CAD construction, and we greatly appreciate Senator Bryan Simonaire’s engagement with MPA throughout the process,” said MPA Director of Government Relations Jennifer Guthrie.
“We welcomed the continued dialogue with District 31 and look forward to working together to support a vibrant Port of Baltimore—one that sustains and creates jobs, powers the economy, and restores vital Chesapeake Bay ecosystems,” continued Guthrie.
As the legislative session has closed, MPA remains a strong advocate for both the Port and its workforce.
“When we go to Annapolis, our conversation begins and ends with what matters most—the hardworking individuals who make their living on the waterfront,” Guthrie added. “MPA is committed to Maryland’s economic vitality while also prioritizing environmental sustainability and improving the lives of our neighbors. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do.”
With budget challenges and policy concerns, MPA will continue to engage with legislators, advocate for the Port, and seek outcomes that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
 Photo (above): The 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly is convening in Annapolis, Maryland, from January 8 - April 7, 2025.
Photo by Tyler Michels/MDOT
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Celebrate Earth Day: Get Involved & Make a Difference
Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22, marking the birth of the modern environmental movement. Today, it is recognized by more than 1 billion people worldwide, according to EarthDay.org.
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center Director Lorraine A. Warnick encourages everyone to take part in Earth Day.
“Spring is a time of renewal, and April is the perfect month to get outside with co-workers, friends, or neighbors,” said Warnick. “I encourage you to participate—whether alone or with a buddy—in an event, big or small, near or far. After all, shouldn’t we think of every day as Earth Day?”
Earth Day at Masonville Cove
Masonville Cove will host several events throughout April, including a shoreline cleanup and a nature for kids program, offering opportunities to connect with nature and engage in meaningful stewardship activities.
Once an abandoned and neglected parcel along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, Masonville Cove has become a thriving environmental education and conservation site. It provides residents, schoolchildren, and visitors with hands-on ways to experience and care for their local environment.
A Model for Community & Conservation
Since its inception in 2007 and designation in 2013 as the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, MPA transformed Masonville Cove from a dumping ground into a vibrant community asset.
- Over 60,000 tons of debris removed, including old appliances, tires, and construction waste
- A near-zero net-energy environmental center serving local schools and community groups
- 54 acres of land & 70 acres of water, with walking trails, birdwatching, and a fishing pier
This transformation—sparked by community voices—ensures that Masonville Cove will remain a place of learning, recreation, and conservation for generations to come.
Get Involved!
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 by joining an event, exploring Masonville Cove, or making a commitment to protect our environment.
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Friends of Patuxent Research Refuge to Help Friends of Masonville Cove Build Capacity and a Strong Foundation
On March 29, the Friends of Patuxent Research Refuge (Friends of Patuxent) hosted the Friends of Masonville Cove at Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge to strengthen ties and provide guidance as the Masonville Cove group works toward establishing a nonprofit within the next year. This collaboration will help them through its “year of learning” and develop a sustainable and effective organization to support its partnership goals.
To support this effort, a Masonville Cove Partnership Task Force, led by MPA Outreach Coordinator Danielle Fisher and includes National Aquarium Conservation Project Manager Swathi Ayyagari, USFWS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ela-Sita Carpenter, and Ecologix Group, Inc. Principal and former USFWS executive Dr. Mamie Parker is seeking insights from Friends of Patuxent, a well-established nonprofit on the following:
- Lessons on board structure and governance
- Collaborative community engagement and outreach
- Joint fundraising and grant writing
- Recruitment strategies and volunteer management
- Financial structure and nonprofit administration
 Photo (above): Once established, the Friends of Masonville Cove will be the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership friends group.
Photo by Danielle Fisher/MPA
NIS, which has an interest in building community-focused environmental, eco-tourism, and economic opportunities at Masonville Cove, noted the significance of this collaboration. “Both groups serve urban communities and share common interests. The Friends of Masonville Cove will have the distinction of establishing the first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership friends group in the nation, setting a model for future urban conservation efforts.”
Meet the Friends!
Join the Friends of Masonville on Saturday, 4/26 at 10am to 12pm for Celebrate Trails Day with Friends at Masonville Cove. Learn More
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Masonville Cove Stakeholder Retreat: Strengthening Partnerships & Planning for the Future
The Masonville Cove Stakeholder Retreat, held on February 19-20, 2025, brought together key partners; MPA, the National Aquarium, Living Classrooms Foundation, USFWS, and Maryland Environmental Service (MES), for a two-day planning session focused on strengthening collaboration, reflecting on achievements, and setting goals for the future. The retreat aimed to enhance efforts to serve Masonville’s surrounding communities and the wildlife it protects.
This year’s retreat was particularly significant as it approached the end of the current five-year strategic plan. Each partner brought their expertise and unique perspective to identifying opportunities for growth and setting priorities for the next phase of their work.
Through breakout sessions, team-building activities, and facilitated discussions, participants reinforced their commitment to collaboration and innovation in conservation, education, and community engagement, laying the groundwork for the next chapter in Masonville Cove’s impact.
Looking ahead, the team will focus on developing the 2026 five-year strategic plan, forming task forces to enhance visitor experience and marketing, and continuing to foster collaboration in conservation, education, and community engagement.
In 2024 the Masonville Cove strategic plan guided partners in engaging over 3500 neighbors from local communities and engaged over 4,200 students in hands on environmental education experiences.
Following the event, one Masonville Cove partner described the experience. “I think the Masonville Cove Stakeholder Retreat was a great way to come together as a partnership and work on team building, while identifying and working on planning for our key priorities. I think navigating the partnership and what our priorities are can be very confusing and that this helps us all align how we work together and what we are working towards.”
 Photo (above): 2025 Masonville Cove Stakeholder Retreat
Photo by Brandi McCoy/KLT Group
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Connecting Talent with Opportunity: Annual Hiring & Career Expo for Maritime, Transportation & Logistics
Employers seeking top talent and job seekers looking to launch or advance careers in transportation, maritime distribution, and logistics are invited to the Annual Hiring and Career Expo hosted by the Baltimore Port Alliance and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The expo will take place at the Alvin and Mary Lloyd College Center located at 7200 Sollers Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21222, on May 1, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
High school graduates, college students, and professionals will have an opportunity to connect with employers in the maritime, transportation, and logistics sectors, learn more about available positions, potentially interview on-site, and have a professional headshot taken for their social media profiles free of charge. Registration is not required but is encouraged. Attendees can learn more and register on the event website. Parking is free, and the event is accessible on Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) bus routes 62 and 65.
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Last year, the event welcomed over 300 job seekers and featured more than 30 employers from a wide range of industries, including state and federal agencies, shipping lines, cargo terminal operators, warehousing and distribution, Port security, private transportation companies, and other related organizations. Potential exhibitors can reserve a complimentary spot by Friday, April 25, 2025. Space is limited.
For more information, write to events@baltimoreportalliance.org.
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These committee meetings are open to the public, some meetings may be virtual or in-person. Please visit maryland-dmmp.com for details and to access information for each meeting. For questions, please contact ecoport@marylandports.com.
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April
Cox Creek Citizens Oversight Committee - April 23rd at 5:30 PM
Hybrid Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Cox Creek Operations and Maintenance Complex
1000 Kembo Road, Baltimore, MD 21226
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May
Masonville Citizens Advisory Committee - May 6th at 5:30 PM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center
1000 Frankfurst Ave, Baltimore, 21226
Innovative Reuse Committee - May 13th at 5:30 PM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Cox Creek Operations and Maintenance Complex
1000 Kembo Rd., Baltimore, MD, 21226
Pearce Creek Implementation Committee Meeting - May 16th at 10:00 AM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
90B North Center Street Cecilton, MD 21919
Citizens Advisory Committee - May 21st at 5:30 PM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center
201 Reedbird Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21225
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June
Management Committee Meeting - June 18th at 10:00 AM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
World Trade Center - Stanton Room
E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
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The ECOPort Newsletter is the Maryland Port Administration’s bi-monthly update of projects and programs that help the agency contribute to a thriving economy, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships. As always, we thank the many private sector businesses, government leaders, communities, and individual citizens who have helped make these achievements a reality. |
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Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director
Maryland Port Administration
The World Trade Center
401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore MD 21202
1-800-638-7519 / www.marylandports.com
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