Property Open to the Public
The Masonville Cove property has had a unique history. In
the late 1800’s, Masonville was a small village and the Cove was used
recreationally for fishing, crabbing, and swimming. In later years the
surrounding communities grew with the growth of industry, however, Masonville
remained unchanged. It was not until after the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 that Masonville Cove had its first signs of dumping. Debris from the Great
Baltimore Fire was brought to the Cove by barges and left to rot. Since then,
the Cove’s usage has changed dramatically. Industrial and residential waste was
illegally dumped here for decades.
However in 2007, the human impact on the land changed. The Maryland Port Administration along with Maryland Environmental Service began restoration efforts on the property. As a result of these efforts, over 60,000 tons of wood and assorted debris have been removed. In 2012, after five years of cleanup, the first phase of the property was opened to the public. Today the property is used by the public for bird watching, fishing, and nature walks, while students learn how to interact with nature and how their actions have positive/negative effects on the environment.
However in 2007, the human impact on the land changed. The Maryland Port Administration along with Maryland Environmental Service began restoration efforts on the property. As a result of these efforts, over 60,000 tons of wood and assorted debris have been removed. In 2012, after five years of cleanup, the first phase of the property was opened to the public. Today the property is used by the public for bird watching, fishing, and nature walks, while students learn how to interact with nature and how their actions have positive/negative effects on the environment.