Baltimore’s Waterfront Restoration: A Model for Climate Resilience and Community Health

BALTIMORE, MD – November 19, 2025

MedStar Health is spearheading an ambitious ecological restoration project along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, transforming seven acres of wetlands on the hospital’s campus and demonstrating a proactive approach to community health that extends beyond traditional healthcare. The project, a collaborative effort with the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) and GreenVest, LLC, aims to improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and re-establish a vital coastal ecosystem – all while contributing to the city’s broader Reimagine Middle Branch Plan.

Beyond Traditional Healthcare: Investing in Environmental Wellbeing

For years, healthcare systems have focused primarily on treating illness after it occurs. However, a growing body of evidence highlights the profound impact of environmental factors on public health. Recognizing this connection, MedStar Health is taking a novel approach, actively investing in environmental resilience as a preventative measure. “We understand that a healthy community isn’t just about access to medical care,” explains a spokesperson for MedStar Health. “It’s also about having a healthy environment – clean air, clean water, and natural spaces that promote wellbeing.”

The wetland restoration project exemplifies this philosophy. Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding – a growing concern in coastal communities facing climate change. They also filter pollutants, improving water quality, and provide critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. This commitment to environmental stewardship isn’t new for MedStar Harbor Hospital, which previously implemented large-scale stormwater management projects, showcasing a long-term vision for sustainable healthcare.

A Collaborative Approach to Urban Environmental Restoration

The MedStar project is part of a much larger effort to revitalize the Middle Branch waterfront, guided by the Reimagine Middle Branch Plan. This community-driven initiative aims to reconnect South Baltimore with its 11-mile shoreline, transforming a historically industrial area into a vibrant and accessible public space. The initiative emphasizes environmental justice, focusing on restoring degraded ecosystems and providing equitable access to natural amenities for historically underserved communities.

SBGP played a critical role in securing funding and coordinating the project, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and local residents. GreenVest, LLC, provided specialized expertise in ecological restoration, designing and implementing the wetland restoration plan. “This project wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of so many dedicated partners,” says a representative from SBGP. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”

Building Resilience Against Climate Change and Rising Tides

Baltimore, like many coastal cities, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, more frequent and intense storms, and increased flooding. Wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by providing a natural buffer against storm surge and absorbing excess rainfall. The restored wetlands along the Middle Branch are expected to significantly reduce flood risk in the surrounding neighborhoods, protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, the project enhances the overall resilience of the Middle Branch ecosystem. The restored wetlands provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, increasing biodiversity and improving water quality. This creates a more sustainable and thriving ecosystem that can better withstand the impacts of climate change. “Investing in natural infrastructure like wetlands is a cost-effective and sustainable way to build resilience against climate change,” explains an environmental scientist involved in the project. “It’s a win-win for both the environment and the community.”

The $67 million secured for the overall Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative showcases the depth of commitment towards building environmental protection and restoration in the area. The ambitious plan hopes to address decades of industrial degradation and restore critical habitats.

Community members are overwhelmingly positive about the project, expressing excitement about having access to a revitalized waterfront and a more resilient community. “It’s about more than just the environment,” says a long-time resident of Cherry Hill. “It’s about creating a healthier and more vibrant community for all of us.”

The project's success serves as a model for other cities seeking to address climate change and build more resilient communities. By investing in natural infrastructure and fostering collaboration between healthcare systems, government agencies, and local organizations, it is possible to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.