Beach Cleanup 2008

In collaboration with The National Aquarium in Baltimore, we invite you to participate in a Beach cleanup to: 

Restore Wetlands at 

Fort McHenry National Monument 

and Historic Shrine

When: September 27 and November 15 2008, Rain or shine from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

What: Activities include a debris removal, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance. Breakfast and lunch will be provided (September cleanup only) so please register for this event (see below for more details). We will have an active exhibit at the event so please stop by and see us. 

Where: Created tidal wetland located at Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

Directions & Parking: Fort McHenry is located three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. From northbound or southbound I-95, take exit 55 to Key Highway. From Key Highway turn left on Lawrence Street and left on Fort Avenue. Proceed one mile to the park. From the Baltimore Inner Harbor, take Light Street south to Fort Avenue. Turn left on Fort Avenue and proceed to the park. Free parking will be provided at the parking lot located just outside of the gates to Ft. McHenry. Once parked, walk through the gate--the registration area will be to your right, overlooking the marsh.
MTA: Bus #1 conveniently has a route that stops directly in front of the Fort McHenry gates. For schedule and fares please visit: http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/bus/.

Who: The National Aquarium in Baltimore, in partnership with the National Park Service with support from the Maryland Port Administration, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Steinweg Baltimore, Inc., and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

How: Please download the registration and release forms and fax them to Charmaine Dahlenburg at 410.986.2356 or bring the release and registration forms with you that day. You may also mail them to:

Charmaine Dahlenburg
Conservation Department
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Pier 3/ 501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202-3194

Space is limited so sign up today! 

Method: To maximize our effectiveness, we need to be organized. When you arrive, you will be grouped into teams of 10-15 with an Aquarium leader and given instructions on the restoration process.

Attire: Dress in clothes appropriate for the weather. We are able to supply work gloves and boots, but feel free to bring your own. Your boots or sneakers WILL get dirty. If you have waterproof boots or waders, we highly recommend you bring them. Please bring an extra, dry pair of socks and shoes.

Liability: Please be aware that you will be helping at your own risk, covered only by your own liability insurance. There will be a release form that all participants must sign. You will be working in a typical waterfront/marsh environment with natural water barriers such as rocks and tree limbs that at times could make the work physically rigorous. You will also be working in an urban marine environment. We recommend that you not come in contact with the water if you are immunocomprimised. Since this is a cleanup, please be advised you will be picking up broken glass and other marine debris during this event. Please notify us in advance if any special accommodations are needed as access to the wetland is limited.

Age Limit: We require that no one under 14 years of age participate in the marsh cleanup (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Children/students will be grouped with their guardians for the clean up to ensure their safety.

Service Learning Hours: Forms will be provided for those who would like use their time toward service learning hours for their school or other organization.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Charmaine Dahlenburg (cdahlenburg@aqua.org) or call 410.659.4274.