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December 2025 /January 2026 Newsletter
Year-End Reflections to New Year Progress
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Oyster Gardening at Masonville Cove Restores the Bay and Engages the Community
More than a decade ago, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore launched a program to grow oysters in the Inner Harbor and engage the community in Chesapeake Bay stewardship. This year, Masonville Cove joined the initiative with four oyster cages holding roughly 400 recycled shells with baby oysters, or spat attached. The cages sit off the Cove’s fishing pier, where volunteers from the surrounding community along with staff from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Maryland Port Administration (MPA), Maryland Environmental Service (MES), Living Classrooms Foundation (LCF), and the National Aquarium, helped place the oysters in their temporary home. This summer, LCF’s skipjack Sigsbee and buyboat Mildred Belle will transport the oysters to their permanent home, an oyster reef surrounding Fort Carroll, a man-made island fort near Baltimore Harbor.
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“We are excited by this new way to get more youth and community members involved with environmental stewardship through Masonville Cove,” said LCF’s Senior Environmental Educator Grace DeLuca. “Oysters are essential to the health of our Chesapeake Bay and our Patapsco River. It’s exciting that we can be contributing to that in some way.”
Photo (Left): Partners work to place spat in one of the four oyster cages recently deployed at Masonville Cove.
Photo by Danielle Fisher, MPA
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Over the years, MPA has also helped fund the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oyster program. DNR established the Fort Carroll oyster sanctuary in 1995 for educational programs with LCF. As this pilot program at Masonville Cove picks up momentum, the project partners hope to invite more local community members and youth groups to take part in this exciting restoration initiative. Be sure to join Masonville Cove’s email list or sign up to join Friends of Masonville Cove and visit Waterfront Partnership’s webpage to learn more about the broader initiative with sites across the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Canton.
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Maryland Port Administration Sites Host 2025 Christmas Bird Count
The origin of the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), the nation’s longest-running community science project, can be traced to a pivotal moment in conservation history.
“The Christmas 'side hunt' was once a popular holiday tradition, with participants competing to see who could shoot the most birds,” said MES Senior Environmental Specialist Tim Carney. “In 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman took a more conservation-minded approach and suggested a Christmas bird count rather than a hunt. This annual event, now organized by the National Audubon Society, provides more than a century of data on bird populations across North America.”
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Counts are conducted within fixed circles measuring 15 miles in diameter, allowing results to be compared consistently from year to year. Birders work in teams to survey assigned sectors within each circle, documenting every species observed. Birds seen within three days before or after the official count date may also be included as “count week” species. |
Photo (Above): Christmas Bird Count participants at Masonville DMCF
Photo by Cal Liddell, MES
Following a successful pilot last year, 2025 marked the first official year of the Baltimore City Christmas Bird Count with three count circles: Loch Raven, Middle River, and Baltimore City. Two of these circles include MPA Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) sites. Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Placement Site (HMI) falls within the Middle River circle, while the Baltimore City circle includes Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility (DMCF) and Swan Creek Wetlands, Masonville DMCF, Masonville Cove, and Hawkins Point DMCF.
The official Middle River count took place on Dec. 14, 2025; however, high winds that day prevented access to HMI. As a result, Carney conducted a follow-up survey on Dec. 16, which added 13 count-week species, including notable rarities such as rough-legged hawk, short-eared owl, and tree swallow.
More favorable weather on Dec. 20, 2025, allowed teams to survey all three DMMP Sites in the Baltimore City circle. Highlights included:
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Cox Creek DMCF and Swan Creek Wetlands: 2,500 ruddy ducks, one Virginia rail, two American kestrels, three common ravens, 15 American pipits, and three purple finches
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Masonville DMCF and Masonville Cove: one common goldeneye, one red-breasted merganser, one common loon, and one eastern phoebe
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Hawkins Point DMCF: one American kestrel, one common raven, one orange-crowned warbler, and one blue-headed vireo, one of the two rarest birds recorded during the entire count
Photo by Cal Liddell, MES
Interested in participating next year? Check out the Baltimore Bird Club's website for more info.
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MPA Updates Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use Strategy for Baltimore Harbor
Keeping the Baltimore Harbor channel dredged to accommodate large commercial ships is an ongoing challenge. Beyond storing the sediment dredged from the Harbor in its containment facilities, the MPA has explored ways to reuse it for commercial products and environmental resilience through Innovative Reuse (IR) and Beneficial Use (BU).
The MPA and the DMMP Innovative Reuse Committee (IRC) have finalized the 2025 update to the Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use (IRBU) Strategy, refreshing an approach that has led to substantial progress over the past five years and sets the stage for full-scale implementation of the program.
“For the past decade, the Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use program has grown from a pilot initiative to a key component of sustainable dredged material management,” said MPA Chief of Innovative Reuse Strategy & Partnerships Kelvin Moulden. “The updated strategy is designed to steer the next phase and positions the Port of Baltimore as a leader in sustainable dredged material management.”
 Photo (above): Innovative Reuse Research & Development projects using Baltimore Harbor dredged material to create bricks and permeable pavers (left) and shoreline protection structures (right)
Photo by Belden-Eco Products (left) and MPA (right)
Originally accepted in 2014 and updated in 2020, the IRBU strategy was refined in 2025 through extensive collaboration with the IRC, whose members represent government agencies, environmental NGOs, and industry partners. Feedback from small-group discussions and committee reviews ensured the strategy reflects current needs, program successes, and emerging opportunities.
The updated strategy emphasizes long-term, sustainable reuse of dredged material to support infrastructure, environmental, and community goals.
Stay informed! Visit maryland-dmmp.com/committees/irc to learn more about the IRC.
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Confined Aquatic Disposal: Listening, Learning, and Working Together
Last year, before deciding not to move forward with a second CAD pilot project, MPA engaged the public to consider a potential second Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) pilot project after community members raised questions—many for the first time—about how dredged material from Baltimore Harbor is managed.
Over 18 months, the Bay Enhancement Working Group (BEWG) CAD Subcommittee led an extensive outreach and engagement process, bringing together scientists, engineers, industry representatives, and community members to discuss concerns, explore options, and share knowledge. Their findings are detailed in the
CAD Subcommittee Final Report and summarized in a companion webinar, reflecting MPA’s commitment to collaboration and science-informed decision-making.
The CAD Subcommittee concluded that important data gaps remain. As a result, MPA will not move forward with design, engineering, construction, or site selection for a second CAD pilot until the legislated moratorium expires and those gaps are addressed. The report will help guide what studies and information would be needed for any future consideration of CAD, which would be integrated into the broader DMMP process.
By pausing the CAD project, MPA turned public concern into an opportunity for deeper dialogue and partnership with communities and stakeholders. While CAD was included in the 2025 DMMP Recommendations to highlight the importance of collaboration, its absence from the 2026 Recommendations reflects a current focus on other dredged material management options. Ongoing engagement will continue to center community voices in future decisions.
Want to learn more? Watch the Spotlight Webinar Series and explore the iMPAct Reports at www.Maryland-DMMP.com.
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Clearing a Hurdle at the Howard Street Tunnel Means Big Environmental & Economic Wins
Thanks to a public-private partnership, there is now an additional 18 inches of clearance at Baltimore’s 130-year-old Howard Street Tunnel, which will help create a seamless double-stack rail service along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida.
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“When the project is fully completed, the East Coast will have seamless double-stack capacity from Maine to Florida,” said MPA Executive Director Jonathan Daniels. “Until now, the Howard Street Tunnel has been the main impediment preventing double-stack containers along that corridor.” |
Photo (Above): Double stacking allows two shipping containers to be stacked on top of each other on a railcar.
Photo by Bill McAllen, Photography
By reducing reliance on trucks, the project is expected to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 137 million gallons, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality across the region, particularly along the 1-95 corridor.
Once the full project is completed in the spring of 2026, it is expected to begin increasing the Port’s business by about 160,000 containers annually. It will also be a significant job creator, having already generated about 6,550 construction jobs with an additional 7,300 jobs to come from the increased business.
Project partners include the State of Maryland, Federal Railroad Administration, and CSX.
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Baltimore Port Alliance Members Foster Connections with Port Neighbors
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, members of the Baltimore Port Alliance (BPA) were welcomed to the City of Refuge in Curtis Bay by the Pastor Billy Humphrey, the founder and executive director.
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Twelve dedicated their morning to clearing undergrowth and small trees from the rear property line, making room for expanded outdoor storage.
The highlight of the morning was a tour of the City of Refuge’s facilities that described the many programs offered that provide intentional assistance to all people in the Baltimore area. Learn more about their programs here.
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Photo (Above): Volunteers work to prepare an area for outside storage.
Photo by B&D Environmental
The event drew participants from MPA, The Terminal Corporation, Tydings, EcoLogix Group and an instructor and two students from Stevenson University.
This event also brought to light plans to expand community programming at the City of Refuge. Temporary storage was needed during the upcoming building renovations. Subsequently, the BPA provided transportation for a refurbished 40-foot container, donated by Ports America Chesapeake (PAC).
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BPA works to advance collaboration among port stakeholders and provides support for communities connected to port operations. “We were delighted to engage with another organization working with and on behalf of our neighbors. The Curtis Bay area serves as a vital hub for the Port of Baltimore’s operations, including both public and private facilities that support the local economy,” said Rupert Denney, co-chair of the BPA’s Environmental Committee. |
Photo (Above): Eddie Durchlag and Billy Humphrey with City of Refuge stand by the refurbished 40-foot container donated by PAC.
Photo by Dan Spack, EcoLogix Group
Additional Donations
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“Zion Hill is very grateful for the donation of the two 20-foot containers. These containers have come at the perfect time for our church. We were getting crowded in our building without having adequate storage spaces. I haven't had an office for over 11 years because the space was used for storage. We are in the process of removing the stuff from my office to the containers and setting up my office for a real space for me to conduct church business,” said Zion Hill Baptist Church Bishop Douglas V. Logan.
Photo (Left): Brother Mike Daily of Zion Hill Baptist Church and Jamie Meyers with M&W Towing
Photo by Dan Spack, EcoLogix Group
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At the zoo, the container will be used to store seasonal equipment for special experiences like Wild Water Splash Days, fun, safe water-play opportunities during the hottest weeks of the year, and Holly Days, when the campus is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring festive decorations and activities throughout the grounds.
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Photo (Above): Jamie Meyers with M&W Towing and Chuck Kilduff with the Maryland Zoo
Photo by Dan Spack, EcoLogix Group
A BPA member also came to the assistance for a call to donate dumpster services for a community development project in Brooklyn. Three dumpsters were delivered to 601 E. Patapsco Avenue in July.
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“There are no words to express the support, kindness and efficiency [offered] us in the first phase of our development project. No one will ever be able to know how grateful our Latin American community, as well as our indigenous community members, felt each time the dumpster showed up at the property. It not only gave us the ability to start the [cleaning process], but it also gave community members an opportunity to get rid of unwanted items in a bulk form,” said Rehobeth Church of Deliverance Bishop Carrington E. Morgan. Jr.
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Photo (Above): This photo captures the extensive debris removal process from the building renovation project; this represents one of three full loads successfully cleared from the site.
Photo by Bishop Carrington Morgan, Rehoboth Church of Deliverance, Curtis Bay
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Lightning Talks Inspire Committee Members at Year-End Meeting
Members of the DMMP IRC closed out the year with a series of four-minute presentations sharing why they find innovative reuse of dredged material compelling and what they hope to see in the future.
“For the past two years, we have featured lightning talks from committee members at the November IRC meeting as a fun way to wrap up the year and spark new connections and discussions between attendees,” said MPA Chief of Innovative Reuse Strategy & Partnerships Kelvin Moulden.
Nancy Straub of GEI Consultants talked about reusing dredged material to create space in DMCFs and designing geotechnical and environmental properties. She also discussed finding solutions that are financially viable and both climate-friendly and energy-efficient.
Elizabeth Price from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) reflected on the success of projects with potential for larger-scale implementation. She shared findings from a 2022 analysis of Cox Creek DMCF, showing that for every cubic yard of dried dredged material produced, roughly two cubic yards of DMCF capacity were recovered.
CBF’s Gussie Maguire shared how dredged material can support ecological restoration, highlighting the increase in terrapin nesting locations and how material can raise marsh elevation to mitigate flooding.
Laura Todd of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay explained her work advancing wetland creation, living shorelines, and stream restoration across the watershed. She emphasized the potential of innovative reuse to enhance coastal resiliency while lowering the carbon footprint of numerous projects, highlighting the Trossbach Farm living shoreline currently under construction.
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Photo (Left): Landowners and project representatives discuss the Trossbach Farm Living Shoreline Project, referenced in the Lightning Talk by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Photo by Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
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Austin Bamford from the MD/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy shared his work on saltwater marsh resilience and urban tree planting. He looks forward to future projects such as directly pumping dredged material to wetland sites, advancing collaboration between MPA and the Maryland Department of the Environment, and pursuing shared investment in planning and permitting for beneficial use projects in the Patapsco.
“The lightning talks offered quick bursts of insight, inspiration, and collaboration, showcasing the creativity and expertise that drive Maryland’s Innovative Reuse Program forward,” continued Moulden.
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Mid-Bay Outreach Team Connects with the Community
Partners involved in the Mid-Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project continue their work to restore the severely eroded James and Barren Islands in Dorchester County using dredged material. In 2025, the Mid-Bay Outreach Team strengthened community connections and shared information by exhibiting at events that celebrate arts, culture, and the environment.
For the second year, the team engaged residents, students, families, and stakeholders at popular summer events in Dorchester County, returning to the Groove City Culture Fest, Dorchester Center for the Arts’ Dorchester Showcase, and the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians’ 33rd Annual Native American Festival. The team also participated in additional fall events, including the Taste of Cambridge and the Waterfowl Festival in neighboring Talbot County. In total, the outreach team shared information with nearly 400 people, discussing construction progress, future job and contracting opportunities, and the environmental and economic benefits of restoring the islands.
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At several events, a flipbook featuring aerial photos of Barren Island was a popular resource, allowing visitors to see how the island has changed over the years.
Generally, many people were already aware of the successful restoration work at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island, but were less familiar with the Mid-Bay project. There was a lot of community interest in the project’s goals for wildlife conservation, shoreline protection, and climate resilience.
Courtesy Photo (Right)
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Hosted by the Madison Volunteer Fire Department since 2021, the outreach team also participated in a Community Poster Session in November. Twenty community members explored self-paced stations to meet project partners, review technical updates, and learn about construction and water safety. Dorchester County members of the Maryland Watermen's Association, Inc. and Maryland Delegate Thomas Hutchinson attended to discuss project milestones and address questions with representatives of the US Army Corps of Engineers - Baltimore District.
By attending community events such as Dorchester County’s Groove City Culture Fest, the Mid-Bay Outreach Team continues to strengthen relationships and raise awareness, ensuring local voices guide the restoration of James and Barren Islands and protect Dorchester County’s unique ecosystem.
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DMMP Holds Annual Meeting and Releases Annual Report
On Friday, December 5th, MPA DMMP hosted its Annual Meeting featuring a panel discussion centered on the theme, ‘Stewardship Fueled by Science,’ and provided stakeholders with updates on key initiatives and projects to keep them informed and engaged.
The meeting highlighted the MPA's commitment to balancing regional economic development with environmental stewardship and aligning with stakeholders' goals of achieving both sustainable Port operations and community well-being.
 Photo (Above): Panel Moderator, Danielle Fisher and guest panelists Paul Brylske and Lisa Wainger look on as Kadija Ndiaya (far right), shares insight on Masonville Cove Links WildSTEM Internship
Photo by Caitlin Eversmier, RK&K
Participants met MPA leaders and learned how the DMMP is working to benefit all Marylanders while maintaining the Port’s channels and honoring commitments to community partners and the environment. They also had the opportunity to engage with key partners including the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy, which supports stewardship efforts, and UMCES, which contributes scientific expertise. Partnerships like these help shape the DMMP and are essential to the program’s ongoing success.
The topics discussed in the meeting are also covered in the newly released 2025 DMMP Annual Report. This report was created to build confidence by providing transparency about the MPA’s long-term dredged material management plans, accomplishments, and recommendations for 2026, reinforcing confidence in ongoing efforts.
Learn more by visiting the DMMP website or watching a video of the meeting on YouTube.
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Port Welcomes Visitors for “Air Tour”
In October, Baltimore Port Alliance and Ports America Chesapeake welcomed 20 guests on its 12th “Air Tour” at the Seagirt and Dundalk Marine Terminals, providing an opportunity to see the Port of Baltimore in action and showcase the Port’s significant investments in reducing diesel emissions through electrification of the cargo handling equipment, from the massive new cranes to yard tractors.
The tours offer a forum to share information about the Port’s educational programs and other environmental initiatives, including new zero-emission equipment purchases supported by an EPA Clean Ports Program grant award. In addition to observing first-hand PAC’s container operations at Seagirt Marine Terminal, tour participants also visited a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) at Dundalk Marine Terminal operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. VPCs are where automobiles are given final touches before delivery to dealership showrooms. The Port of Baltimore hosts some of the most sophisticated VPCs in the world.
Community organizations, state and local government representatives, environmental regulators, and the local utility all participated in this tour. Community organizations represented included the Turner Station Conservation Teams, Old Dundalk Neighborhood Association, Key Highway Community Association, New Broadway East Community Association, and the Upton Planning Committee.
 Photo (Above): “Air Tour” participants saw the Port of Baltimore in action and learned more about air quality initiatives.
Photo by B&D Environmental
The BPA also shared a resource document that provides information about employment and training opportunities at the Port of Baltimore.
One tour participant said, “Thank you so much for sharing the resource document and for inviting me to the tour yesterday. It was a great experience — very informative and enjoyable. I really appreciated the chance to learn more about the port operations and meet everyone involved. A lot of great information to share with my team and the community.”
Another said, “Thank you again for accommodating me on the tour today! It was fantastic information, and interesting to have such a diverse group of stakeholders together.”
To learn more about opportunities for future BPA Port tours, contact Dan Spack at dspack@ecologixgroup.com.
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Help Shape the Port of Baltimore’s Clean Air Future
MPA is working to reduce air emissions, strengthen energy resiliency, and lessen impacts on nearby communities
Maryland has set ambitious climate goals: a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. To help meet these targets, the MPA is partnering with a wide range of organizations to improve air quality, expand electrification, and build climate resilience across the Port of Baltimore.
In 2024, MPA received $147 million through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. Combined with more than $36 million in State and partner contributions, this $182 million investment will drive major progress in climate planning and the electrification of port infrastructure and equipment. Funding also supports a workforce impact analysis and new career development opportunities to promote job equity as the Port transitions to cleaner technologies.
These efforts will help ensure that the Port—and the communities and region it supports—continue to grow and thrive. MPA remains committed to advancing sustainable, forward-looking initiatives that benefit all Marylanders, and we want your voice in this process.
Share your input by taking a few minutes to complete our confidential survey.
Thank you for helping make the Port of Baltimore a cleaner, healthier place to live and work.
If you have questions or additional feedback, please contact us at mpacleanports@mdotgov.onmicrosoft.com
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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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February
Innovative Reuse Committee Meeting – February 10th at 5:30 PM
Hybrid Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Cox Creek Operations and Maintenance Complex
1000 Kembo Rd., Baltimore, MD, 21226
Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting – February 25th at 5:30 PM
Hybrid Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
North Point-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Hall, 7500 North Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21219
March
Masonville Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting – March 3rd at 5:30
Hybrid Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 1000 Frankfurst Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21226
Management Committee Meeting – March 18th at 10 AM
Hybrid Event – For more information, visit https://maryland-dmmp.com/committees/.
World Trade Center – Baltimore, 401 E. Pratt Street, 20th Floor Stanton Room, 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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