Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership

Captain Trash Wheel is a 40-foot long trash munching machine located at Masonville Cove.

NPS Chesapeake Gateways

Quick Facts

Location:

1000 Frankfurst Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21226

Significance:

A restored urban oasis, Masonville Cove fosters environmental education and conservation within the Chesapeake Bay watershed as the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership.

Designation:

Chesapeake Gateways Network Site

MANAGED BY:

Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership

Amenities

9 listed

Cellular Signal, Dock/Pier, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Playground, Restroom - Accessible, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible

Tucked along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in South Baltimore, Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership offers a unique blend of restored natural habitat, community-focused programming, and environmental learning. Once an industrial dumping ground, this revitalized site now supports over 230 bird species and features protected wetlands, beginner-friendly trails, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the region’s ecology and heritage.

Visitors to the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center can explore hands-on displays, view local wildlife up close, and discover artifacts recovered during the site’s restoration. Programs such as bird banding, shoreline cleanups, and community science events invite all ages to connect with nature and participate in conservation efforts. A highlight of the experience is Captain Trash Wheel, a solar-powered device that prevents litter from nearby storm drains from entering the Chesapeake Bay, underscoring the site’s role in watershed stewardship.

Operated through a partnership between the Maryland Port Administration, Living Classrooms Foundation, National Aquarium, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Masonville Cove is part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network. Its designation as the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership reflects a model for reconnecting urban communities with the Chesapeake Bay.

To plan your visit or learn more about current programs and access, explore the their website.