Page 17 - Port of Baltimore - Issue 3 - 2022

CAPTAIN TRASH WHEEL
TURNS FOUR
Happy fourth birthday to Captain Trash Wheel!
The 40-foot-long trash-gobbling machine is charged with the mission of keeping the waters of Masonville Cove free of debris for the benefit of humans and wildlife. Captain was originally installed on June 5, 2018, at the mouth of a small stream in Masonville Cove to intercept floating trash.
Captain Trash Wheel is the third of four devices designed by Clearwater Mills, and its operation and maintenance are funded by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). The other trash wheels, Mr. Trash Wheel, Professor Trash Wheel and Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West, were all partially funded by MPA to help prevent trash from entering the Baltimore Harbor and Patapsco River leading to the Chesapeake Bay.
Since 2018, Captain has removed more than 30 tons of trash from Masonville, including roughly 93,300 cigarette butts, 32,183 plastic bottles, 20,350 Styrofoam containers and 36,170 plastic bags. So
far this year, Captain has prevented more than one ton of trash from reaching our beautiful cove and the Patapsco River. 􏰀
MAEOE
Youth Summit Encouraged Hands-on Nature Learning
The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) Environmental Education
Team participated in the Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education’s (MAEOE) annual Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on May 26 at Sandy Point State Park.
The event provided an opportunity for nearly 600 students and teachers to celebrate their hard work in becoming official Green Schools. Schools participating in the program
600
STUDENTS,
Teachers Attended the Summit
Nearly
empower students to make changes
to reduce environmental
Board of Public Works Approves
Conservation Easement
for Masonville Cove
On April 27, the Masonville Cove Conservation Easement received approval from the Maryland Board of Public Works. The Maryland Port Administration entered this easement with the Maryland Environmental Trust and
Baltimore Green Space (BGS).
e
i
m
pact, encourage
im
p
sustainability and foster environmental literacy.
Students participated in leadership activities and learned from the Green Career Panel about the range of green careers offered by the MPA. They also engaged in hands-on learning activities, including a simulated terrapin nest discovery. Students found and uncovered wooden
“eggs” buried in the sand to learn how biologists study diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) on Poplar Island. According to JC, a student at Park Elementary School in Anne Arundel County, “Turtles are just like us but different. They are unique and have very special skills.” 􏰀
The easement is intended to prevent Masonville Cove from being used for any purposes except for environmental education, preservation of open space, and the protection of natural habitat.
“BGS is so excited to be able to support the community in preserving this refuge for neighbors to enjoy the water and wildlife for generations to come,” said BGS Executive Director Katherine Lautar. “We
are grateful for the restoration efforts here that have made this a lasting safe haven for families and friends — eagles included!”
47
ACRES PRESERVED
In total, this easement will preserve in perpetuity roughly 47
acres of the restored Masonville Cove property, including approximately three miles of walking trails. 􏰀
To subscribe or renew, visit www.marylandports.com [15]
KRISTINA MOTLEY/MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
LIVING CLASSROOMS FOUNDATION