What was, what is, and what can be: the Harbor Wetland may be explained in these terms.

A 10,000 square-foot project, the Harbor Wetland is a collaboration between Baltimore’s National Aquarium and architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross that intends to rediscover a regional ecosystem as it existed before the built environment infringed on the natural one. 

The box-like structures visible in the aerial view above keep this grass-filled marshland afloat—they’re essentially pontoons, which, in concert with a network of high-density polyethylene pipes, provide the wetland with ballast. Here’s an image of construction before the grasses were introduced.

Amazingly, presently over 30,000 types of grasses and plants thrive in this little isle on the Aquarium campus. As the flora grow, they’ll attract native species (Great Blue Heron, Northern Watersnake, Blue Crab, and Darner Dragonfly, among others) that are an integral part of the harbor’s natural environment.

The project also fits within the city’s economic revitalization plan. An integrated viewing dock provides an instructional forum while also helping to bring people back to the waterfront— a win-win prospect that educates participants about the environment while also fostering social interaction and community development.

Given our current cultural climate, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge good news on the climate front. As Leila Yassine (Global Advocacy Engagement Manager with the Rainforest Alliance) says, “Sharing positive news about the climate crisis can encourage others to tackle the issue and keep people optimistic about the future.”

Awareness is a first step for taking action. Visit the beautiful aquarium with its stunning architecture, then step outside and become immersed in nature. Read more at Ayers Saint Gross and Baltimore’s National Aquarium.