Native shrubs are planted; as roots descend into the bay, they will provide a habitat for local species and draw out contaminants.
A National Aquarium exhibit in the heart of Baltimore’s bustling Inner Harbor transports visitors to a serene Chesapeake Bay oasis. Unveiled in August, Harbor Wetland encompasses a 10,000-square-foot floating ecosystem meant to mimic the bay’s salt marsh habitat of centuries ago. Landscape architects at Baltimore-based Ayers Saint Gross partnered with the Aquarium to design the $14 million project; admission is free.
The wetland harbors more than 32,000 native grasses and shrubs, sustained with special water aeration technology. Interpretive signage explains that, as plants grow, the wetland will attract native species and promote clean, healthy waters.
“Harbor Wetland is the culmination of 12 years of research, innovation and determination,” says National Aquarium president and CEO John Racanelli. “We’re so excited to welcome visitors out onto the water for a close-up view of the vibrant, living habitat taking root here in the Inner Harbor.” aqua.org