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May/June 2025 Newsletter
By Land and Sea: MPA Impact Reaches All Marylanders
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Get the Scoop! How the Port of Baltimore Plans for Millions of Tons of Sediment
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The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) has launched a Spotlight Series of short, narrated videos designed to make complex dredged material management topics easy to understand. It is intended to welcome new stakeholders of the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) and support collaboration by ensuring everyone understands the issues. |
In the latest video, viewers will learn how dredged material is managed based on its origin. They will Get the Scoop on how the MPA plans for the long-term management of dredged material, as they develop current sites and plan for future ones. Dredged material management is an essential part of keeping the Port of Baltimore open to global commerce and ready to receive today’s largest ships. More editions of the Spotlight Series will follow, and MPA looks forward to using them to attract new and informed stakeholders to the DMMP for information sharing, advice, and collaboration with a strong foundation of understanding.
Photo by MPA
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Ravens and Mr. Trash Wheel Tackle Trash Together
Baltimore’s original trash wheel just got a major boost and a new jersey. Mr. Trash Wheel, the Inner Harbor’s cheerful cleanup contraption, is now proudly sporting Baltimore Ravens gear as part of a $3.75 million, five-year partnership with the team, The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation, and the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.
The funding will support the Waterfront Partnership Healthy Harbor Initiative, which focuses on cleaning and restoring Baltimore’s waterways, along with oyster restoration and upgrades for Mr. Trash Wheel (Inner Harbor) and Professor Trash Wheel (Canton).
“We’re honored to support the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and its important Healthy Harbor Initiative alongside the Bisciotti family,” said Ravens President Sashi Brown. “The Partnership’s efforts are vital to sustaining and improving the ecosystems that are unique to our city, state, and region.”
 Photo (above): Game Plan: Remove five million pounds of litter and debris from the Baltimore Harbor over the next five years.
Waterfront Partnership President Laurie Schwartz added, “With the Ravens by our side, we’re tackling one of Baltimore’s biggest environmental challenges and proving that restoring the harbor is a team effort.”
Next up for the Waterfront Partnership: The return of Harbor Splash, a swim event in Baltimore Harbor. The event is set to take place in June, marking the second public swim in the harbor in over 40 years. To follow the Mr. Trash Wheel Family or get involved, visit waterfrontpartnership.org.
 Photo (above): The partners also plan to plant five million oysters to play defense for the Baltimore Harbor and Chesapeake Bay, filtering water and restoring the ecosystem.
Photos by Waterfront Partnership
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Captain Trash Wheel Brings Home the BUBBA
Captain Trash Wheel is in the limelight again, having received a prestigious Best Urban BMPs in the Bay Award better known as BUBBA, earning top honors in the Education and Outreach category. The popularity of the 40-foot-long, trash-gobbling machine at Masonville Cove has fueled the outreach and education programming led by the Masonville Cove Partnership, a collaboration among MPA, Maryland Environmental Service (MES), the National Aquarium, Living Classrooms Foundation, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Over the past five years, Captain Trash Wheel’s overall impact has generated more than 391,000 social media impressions and engaged over 20,000 students and community members through hands-on education, shoreline cleanups, and tours. Captain has also inspired initiatives such as the “Just One More” campaign, which encourages simple, everyday actions people can take to reduce plastic pollution.
The BUBBAs are hosted by the Chesapeake Stormwater Network to recognize the most innovative and effective efforts to improve water quality in urban areas across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Judges praised the Masonville Cove Partnership’s work for its cultural impact beyond the Bay, its strong focus on plastic pollution education, and its inclusive, community-driven approach.
 Photo: Funded by the MPA, Captain Trash Wheel has been at the mouth of a small stream at Masonville Cove since June 2018 and is the third of four devices designed by Clearwater Mills.
Photo by Tim Carney/MES
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Back to the Bay: Student-Raised Terrapin Released at Poplar Island
On May 22, students from North County High School in Glen Burnie, Maryland, had the opportunity to visit the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island and release their “classmate,” a diamondback terrapin they’ve raised as part of the Port of Baltimore’s Terrapin Education and Research Partnership (TERP), an education initiative led by the MPA’s Environmental Education Team in partnership with the Arlington Echo, National Aquarium and regional school districts. North County is only one of the schools from Anne Arundel County this year to raise and release a terrapin as part of the program.
During the 2024–25 school year, 172 hatchlings were placed in Maryland classrooms, where students cared for the young terrapins, monitored their growth, and prepared them for life in the wild. This “head start” program offers students a strong connection to the local environment as they learn about Poplar Island and the Port's restoration work.
It was a rainy day as the students piled into the boat to take their seats when MES Senior Environmental Specialist Rachel Stuber asked, "Are you sure you want to sit out back?" The class enthusiastically responded, "Yes, we want the full experience." Although this resulted in the class sitting on the back of the tour boat in the pouring rain, they were wonderfully thrilled by the opportunity.
 Photo: Stuber and the students on their rainy but thrilling voyage. North County High School, a longtime Port partner, actively participates in the TERP and other MPA educational programs.
Photo by Rachel Stuber/MES
To learn more about the TERP program or to request a classroom lesson, visit the MPA’s e3 portal.
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Making an iMPAct in Anne Arundel
The Maryland Port Administration’s Office of Navigation, Innovation, and Stewardship is pleased to release the Anne Arundel County iMPAct Report detailing the economic, environmental, and community benefits of MPA in Anne Arundel County. The Port’s essential role as a keystone to the region is undeniable, and it’s exciting to see the meaningful county-specific benefits MPA delivers to Anne Arundel County.
The report showcases Anne Arundel County jobs, cost savings, property remediation, environmental improvements, community and recreation experiences, and educational opportunities MPA delivers as part of its commitment to the businesses and families in the county. A few highlights from the report include:
- 4,286 Anne Arundel County residents are employed by the Port
- Nearly 200 businesses use and benefit from the work of the Port
- MPA focused on tackling legacy contamination at the Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility and Cox Creek Sediment Technology and Reuse (STAR) Facility, providing environmental benefits to the county.
- Over 13,000 Anne Arundel County students have visited Poplar Island, an internationally recognized model for restoration, through the Terrapin Education Research Partnership (TERP) Program
MPA has long been a supporter of Anne Arundel County and is excited to present this report demonstrating the many ways it impacts the area and its residents.
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Neighbors and Port Partners Team Up for St. Helena Earth Day Cleanup
 Photo (above): Volunteers (not all pictured here) from the St. Helena community, Ports America Chesapeake, EcoLogix Group, and the Port of Baltimore came together for the 30th annual Earth Day Cleanup.
For the 30th consecutive year, the St. Helena Community Association led neighbors and Port partners in their annual Earth Day Cleanup, a tradition rooted in neighborhood pride. Spearheaded by longtime community leader Shirley Gregory, who served as president for 16 years, the event brought volunteers together to beautify the neighborhood, particularly along Ralls Avenue and Willow Spring Road, an area frequented by Port workers on their commute.
This year’s cleanup drew about 30 participants, evenly split between residents and Port volunteers. Ports America Chesapeake generously provided a dumpster for the event. “Their support has made a huge difference,” Gregory said. “We couldn’t do this without them.”
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Photo (above): Ports America Chesapeake’s support over the years has made a huge difference in helping St. Helena keep their community clean.
Photos by Shirley Gregory
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Chick-fil-A of Eastpoint provided trays of nuggets and cookies, Dunkin’ Donuts on Dundalk Avenue brought morning treats, and local favorite The Grantry-Key & Port Tavern pitched in to keep volunteers well-fed and energized.
Together, the group made a visible impact, even removing bulk furniture and hazardous roadside litter. “It’s something we do to keep our community looking beautiful, and it’s always been a great way for everyone to come together and make a positive impact,” said Gregory.
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For Turner Station, Caring for Community Includes Caring for the Earth
In southeastern Baltimore County, the historically Black community of Turner Station celebrated this year’s Community Day on Earth Day, drawing more than 60 volunteers of all ages, including students from Morgan State University, to beautify the neighborhood and raise environmental awareness. The event was organized by the Turner Station Conservation Teams and supported by partners including The Nature Conservancy, the Alpha Beta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, NeighborSpace of Baltimore County, Maryland Transit Administration, and the Port of Baltimore. Together, they focused on greening projects throughout the neighborhood.
“The inspiration behind combining the Turner Station Community Day with an Earth Day celebration came from the direct impact the environment has on the community every day,” said Turner Station Conservation Teams Treasurer Arkia Wade. “The goal was to bring attention to the environmental issues that Turner Station faces while also encouraging the community to get involved.”
Timing the event just before the community’s annual parade, held the first Saturday in May, added extra incentive. “It’s a great opportunity to beautify the community ahead of the parade, aligning with multiple goals including environmental awareness, community engagement, and preparation for the big event,” Wade said.
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Photo (left): While 60 volunteers came out for Community Day and Earth Day, in Turner Station, the work of beautifying the neighborhood happens year-round. Lifelong resident and event co-organizer Edie Brooks is a familiar sight in the community, picking up litter, tending green spaces, and leading by example.
Courtesy Photo
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Volunteers, including local Boy and Girl Scouts, tackled projects like weeding, planting seasonal flowers, and spreading 400 bags of mulch. A key focus was the Witness Tree Project, where 140 trees were planted three years ago to reduce flooding, improve air quality, provide shade, and buffer noise from nearby truck traffic. These “witness trees” serve as living symbols of Turner Station’s resilience and ongoing commitment to environmental justice.
The day also included bulk trash disposal, raised garden bed plantings at Chestnut Park, and student-led cleanups, bringing neighbors together in shared pride and purpose.
"I love how the Turner Station residents and other volunteers gather together to enhance the beauty of the Turner Station legacy that our forefathers and foremothers began. I am a proud member of such a great and thriving community," said volunteer and resident Tangiela M. Bentley.
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Community Grows at Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm
On Saturday, May 10, the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm in Baltimore hosted a Community Partnership Day, welcoming 27 volunteers in collaboration with the BPA.
The group worked alongside farm staff and regular volunteers to accomplish critical tasks such as weeding, spreading mulch, and preparing garden beds for the upcoming farmers market season.
 The day was not only productive but also deeply meaningful. "This kind of work builds fellowship, community, and communion," said Karma Francis, marketing director and community liaison for the farm.
One standout moment came when young volunteers chose to keep working instead of taking a snack break. Their dedication, and the conversations they had with older volunteers, highlighted connections between generations and a shared purpose.
The farm welcomes new supporters and volunteers. Weekly fresh produce giveaways are held every Thursday from 12:00–2:00 p.m., and community meetings take place the first Thursday of each month from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at 3811 Park Heights Avenue.
The farm will also be active at several farmers’ markets:
- Wednesdays at Druid Hill Park (June 4–October 29, 3:30–7:30 p.m.)
- Thursdays at Johns Hopkins (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
- Saturdays at Plantation Park Heights (June 21–November 1, 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.)
Learn more at www.plantationparkheights.com.
The event drew participants from a diverse group of organizations, including the MPA, Vane Brothers, C. Steinweg, Ports America Chesapeake, Stevenson University, EcoLogix Group, Baltimore Development Corporation, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, youth volunteers from Iam MENtality, and several individuals who learned about the event through the Baltimore City Environmental Control Board’s BEMORE Beautiful Program.
 Photo (above): From left to right: Vane Brothers’ Health, Safety & Environmental Manager John Shkor; BPA’s Environmental Committee Co-Chair Rupert Denney; Stevenson University Director of the Center for the Study of the Port of Baltimore Glenn Johnston, who also serves as a volunteer with Baltimore International Seafarers Center; and Vane Brothers’ Communications Manager at Blaise Willig
Photos by Colleen Doyle/Doyle Communications
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Perseverance Pays Off: Eagle Scout Update
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Trystan Lyons, 13, officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout on April 1, 2025, becoming the youngest member of Linthicum’s Troop 447 to achieve the honor. As reported in the November/December ECOPort newsletter, his Eagle project at Masonville Cove, which included building benches, bird and bat houses, and a fishing supply closet, now serves both wildlife and the local community. |
Trystan, who completed 55 merit badges and contributed over 100 hours of service, credits scouting with teaching him leadership and perseverance. “My message is: just keep going,” he said. “If you quit on your dreams, you’ll never get there. But if you keep trying, you’ll eventually make it.” Congratulations, Trystan!
Photo (above): Trystan, on the night of his Eagle Board of Review, aspires to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, and join both the U.S. Air Force and the Ohio State Highway Patrol when he grows up.
Photo by Kyle Lyons
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Big Turnout, Big Opportunities at BPA Career Expo
On May 1, 2025, the Baltimore Port Alliance (BPA) held its 7th Hiring and Career Expo at the Community College of Baltimore County Dundalk Campus. With 43 employers and more than 300 job seekers in attendance, it was a high-energy day full of opportunities, connections, and momentum for building Baltimore’s future transportation and maritime workforce.
Job seekers had the chance to meet face-to-face with employers, submit resumes, take part in interviews, and explore training programs to help them prepare for maritime and transportation careers. More than 60 attendees took advantage of free professional headshots to strengthen their job applications.
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A survey of attendees revealed that 87% of respondents found job opportunities they plan to apply for, and 100% said they’d recommend the event to others.
There were opportunities for everyone, from high school seniors to recent grads to seasoned pros. The event’s success shows what’s possible when strong partners come together to support jobs, training, and community growth.
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Photo (above): The 7th BPA Hiring and Career Expo was the largest to date.
Photo by Amira Hairston/MPA
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Take Your Child to Work Day Sparks Curiosity and Connection
On April 24, 2025, MPA welcomed 13 children for Take Your Child to Work Day. The event began with a tour of the bustling Dundalk Marine Terminal, where students observed cargo ships being unloaded—including a car carrier—and crane operators hard at work.
The adventure continued by boat to Hart Miller Island, a 1,100-acre island restored using dredged material. The participants explored the island’s ecological restoration and learned about its role in the DMMP. Activities included a guided wildlife tour, seining for aquatic life, excavating model terrapin nests, biking around the scenic trails, and lunch by the beach.
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“Take your child to work day is an amazing experience. It shows how important the port is, what the port has to offer and what we do. Jacob had a great day, and he loves to share everything he learned and experienced. In fact, the next day he shared with his classmates what he learned and did. Take Your Child to Work Day left a lasting impression on him.”- Rachel Miller, MPA & proud parent.
Photo (right): MPA employees’ children saw firsthand how commerce and conservation work together to keep the Port thriving.
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“One of my favorite moments was asking the children what they thought their parents or grandparents did at the Port,” Danielle Fisher, MPA, added. “Some answered correctly, but others had no idea—which was part of the fun. It gave them a chance to really learn and appreciate the roles their family members play.”
“I liked learning about RORO and taking a boat out to the island. Can’t wait for next year.” – Marlow, 2nd grade
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This annual tradition will continue next year, potentially with a new location such as Poplar Island. Registration opens each March, and MPA families can look forward to another inspiring experience on April 24, 2026.
Photo (left): During the guided bus tour of Hart Miller Island, students spotted wildlife, especially birds, and had the chance to step off the bus to explore the island’s natural environment up close.
Photos by Rockye Truelove/MPA
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Cox Creek Birding Event Spotlights Port’s Vital Role in Wildlife Habitat
On April 19, 24 birders visited the Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility (Cox Creek) and the adjacent Swan Creek Conservation Area, a 126-acre preserved wetland that provides critical habitat for native birds and serves as a stopover for migratory species. Cox Creek gained local recognition in 2017 when a sharp-tailed sandpiper, the first of its kind ever seen in Maryland, was recorded at the site.
While shorebirds were unexpectedly scarce, participants still recorded an impressive 87 species. Notable sightings included a trumpeter swan, observed approximately 20 minutes earlier flying over North Point State Park; several vesper sparrows; an early migrant blue grosbeak; and five seaside sparrows foraging in rocky mitigation ditches, rather than the more expected shoreline area.
“DMMP sites are some of the best places to bird on Maryland’s western shore,” said Alex Pellegrini, a participant and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contractor who monitors bird species at Poplar Island. “The number of seaside sparrows—and especially their unexpected location—was easily the most exciting and surprising part of the day.”
On eBird, a popular online database of bird observations, 285 bird species have been documented at Cox Creek and the Swan Creek Conservation Area. “Very few places in Maryland offer this variety of bird habitats in one location,” said MES Senior Environmental Specialist Tim Carney.
“All the DMMP sites provide habitat restoration features such as tree reforestation plots, mitigated wetlands, and tidal marshes. Cox Creek and Hart-Miller Island also have tracts of mature forest,” continued Carney, emphasizing that commerce and conservation can go hand in hand.
 Photo (above):A seaside sparrow foraging in the rocky mitigation ditch
Photo by Samuel Denenberg/U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contractor
Due to its active construction site, Cox Creek is currently only open for limited guided tours. Visitors can also explore the site at MPA’s annual Cox Creek Open House this fall, and the new Swan Creek Nature Trail is anticipated to be open this year. Stay tuned for more information in a future edition of the ECOPort newsletter.
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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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July
Hart-Miller Island Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting - July 15th at 5:00 PM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Hart-Miller Island
2024A Riverview Rd, Essex, MD 21221
Cox Creek Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting - July 23rd 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
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August
Masonville Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting - August 5th 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 Meeting - August 12th 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
Executive Committee Meeting - August 18st at 1:30 PM
In-Person Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
MDOT Headquarters
7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076
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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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