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Summer Outing Tour! Inspirational project in our Inner Harbor!

July 17, 2025

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Susannah Bergmann

President

Baltimore Chapter

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LAI Baltimore’s Annual Summer Outing on July 16, 2025 was a tour of the National Aquarium‘s floating wetlands and bird strike prevention measures lead by Adrienne Garwood, Director Experiential Design, and Charmaine Dahlenburg, Director of Field Conservation at the National Aquarium and Landscape Architects Amelle Schultz and Jason A. Castillo, PLA, ASLA of Ayers Saint Gross.

Our members asked engaging questions and learned about the amazing work and planning efforts that has lead to the success of the floating wetland project! An inspirational project and a great organization doing the Inner Harbor proud and making a difference in Baltimore! We adjourned at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks for hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Lights Out Baltimore is a nonprofit project of the Baltimore Bird Club, a local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society. Their goal is to make Charm City safe for migratory birds by turning out decorative lighting in the city during peak migration seasons, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and to advocate for bird-safe building design that makes glass and windows visible to birds. [Baltimore area bird migrations are April – June and August – November]

National Aquarium Pier 3 Pavilion is an iconic part of the Baltimore skyline, but the north facing glass elevation poses a challenge for migrating birds. To support the organization’s ecological mission by preventing bird collisions, a large graphic application of a dot pattern recommended by the American Bird Conservancy was digitally printed on optically clear vinyl film and applied to the reflective surface of the glass at documented high-strike locations. This customized solution prevents bird strikes without detracting from the building’s distinctive form, and adds a desired branded presence in a key location.

Harbor Wetland is located between Piers 3 and 4 of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, National Aquarium Harbor Wetland is a 10,000-square-foot floating wetland that allows visitors to immerse themselves in a salt marsh habitat like those that existed in the area hundreds of years ago. Utilizing over 30,000 grasses and shrubs combined with water aeration technology, the project acts as green infrastructure to promote clean waters, attract native species, and provide a variety of habitats to support a strong ecosystem. A free outdoor exhibit and civic anchor, the wetland serves as a natural oasis in the midst of the city, with an attached learning dock where visitors can observe and learn about the many native species that call the Chesapeake Bay home.

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