The National Aquarium Harbor Wetland
About
THIS PROJECT
The National Aquarium Harbor Wetland presented by CFG Bank was the construction of an outdoor, artificial salt marsh habitat exhibit located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It included the installation of a floating wetland and a learning dock for visitors. Plants and shrubs were placed into plastic-fiber mats on pontoons that will help improve the water quality in the harbor. As the plants grow larger, the plant biomass becomes heavier, additional air can be added to enhance buoyancy and prevent the exhibit from submerging. Other aspects of the project include landscaping, signage, outdoor furniture and interactive exhibits for educational purposes. Native species attracted by the salt marsh habitat include:
- Fish
- Reptiles
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Birds
- Otters
PROJECT OVERVIEW
LOCATION:
Baltimore, Maryland
Mid-Atlantic
CLIENT:
National Aquarium In Baltimore
Community
ENGAGEMENT
This project’s high profile and high-visibility scope meant that the team was always focused on how they were impacting the community. This included coordination with nearby public walking areas, a local artist as he painted a mural near the site, and the aquarium staff to understand how our work was affecting the animals. The team welcomed over 300 volunteers, including school-age children, to plant the vegetation on the floating docks. Throughout the life of the project, the team hosted approximately 600 visitors for tours, including donors, politicians and National Aquarium leadership.
