GreenVest is working in partnership with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) to advance the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative (MBRI). The MBRI is set along the banks of the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River and is restoring up to 50 acres of tidal wetlands along 11 miles of urban, coastal shoreline. The first program element of the MBRI to be constructed is the Hanover Street Wetlands Project, which is comprised of ~10 acres of tidal wetlands and aquatic habitat restoration at the mouth of the Patapsco River and the Middle Branch. Construction of the Hanover Street Wetlands will be completed during the summer of 2025.
The Hanover Street Wetlands’ restoration design called for woody material to add habitat diversity, structure, and a natural source of carbon. The large, woody material was sourced from Camp Small as a local and ecological materials source. Camp Small is an urban wood waste collection yard and recycling center managed by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP). Once a dumping ground for street trees and other wood waste, BCRP adopted the Camp Small Zero Waste Initiative, which recycles and repurposes local woody debris for beneficial reuse and sells a variety of products like lumber, firewood, and mulch.
In December, a large fire brought damage to Camp Small’s campus, rendering much of their inventory unusable. Fortunately, GV and our team can use the charred logs, claiming the salvaged wood for the restoration rather than sending it for disposal. GV’s pivot to use the damaged material combined with Camp Small’s quick response provided a no-waste solution, helped Camp Small recover from the tragedy, and advanced construction of the project without delays. GV was grateful for the opportunity to support the Camp during this critical time and advance our shared missions for environmental sustainability. Read more about this partnership in The Baltimore Sun and watch their video to learn more about the progress of this important ecological renewal project.
Thank you to Camp Small for their partnership and to The Baltimore Sun for this exciting feature!
