MBRI - A Celebration of Progress
On October 7, 2026 South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) hosted MBRI: A Celebration of Progress at MedStar Harbor Hospital, the site of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative’s (MBRI) most recently completed wetland restoration project. The event celebrated the remarkable progress achieved along the Middle Branch waterfront and, just as importantly, the many partners whose investment, leadership, and collaboration have made this transformation possible.
More than 100 restoration partners joined the celebration, including community members, local organizations, funders, government agencies, and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels. Together, we marked the completion of MBRI’s first three shoreline restoration projects—Hanover Street Wetlands, Patapsco Delta East, and MedStar Harbor Hospital Wetlands—representing more than 20 acres restored and $35 million invested in shoreline resilience, water quality, habitat improvements, and waterfront greenspace. The event also celebrated the start of construction on Smith Cove, MBRI’s largest and most ambitious project to date, and recognized the many organizations and individuals who helped make these milestones possible.
VOices of the community
One of the highlights of the celebration was the premiere of a video featuring community members and partners sharing their personal connections to the waterfront, their involvement in the restoration work, and their hopes for the future of the Middle Branch.
Their stories remind us that restoring the shoreline is about more than environmental improvements. It's about reconnecting communities with the water, creating new opportunities to experience nature, and ensuring that the people who call South Baltimore home help shape and benefit from its transformation.
See the Transformation: A Virtual Tour
Attendees were also taken on a virtual tour of the first three completed MBRI projects, featuring aerial drone footage that captures the remarkable transformation taking place along the shoreline.
From newly restored tidal wetlands and shallow-water habitat to living shorelines and returning vegetation, the video offers a bird's-eye view of how these investments are helping create a healthier, more resilient Middle Branch.
Looking Ahead: MBRI Smith Cove
The celebration also celebrated the start of construction on the Smith Cove Project, a more than $36 million investment that will advance shoreline restoration, improve water quality, and expand opportunities for public access along the Middle Branch.
The project will address stormwater runoff from more than 300 acres of impervious surfaces, restore wetland and shoreline habitat, and create a new pedestrian boardwalk connection between Westport and Cherry Hill.
Building on the progress of the first three completed projects, Smith Cove represents an exciting next step toward a healthier, more resilient, and more connected waterfront for South Baltimore.
Celebrating Together
Following the program, guests were invited to experience the transformation firsthand through a guided tour of the newly restored MedStar Harbor Hospital Wetlands.
Thank you to the many community members, organizations, property owners, funders, and government partners who joined us to celebrate—and whose continued commitment is helping bring the vision for the Middle Branch to life.
The Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative is advancing the shoreline restoration and resilience goals of Reimagine Middle Branch, a community-driven initiative led by the City of Baltimore, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and Parks & People.
