Science in the middle Branch
From local anglers and citizen scientists to professional researchers and environmental partners, we are working together to learn more about the Middle Branch. This shared learning helps advance and track progress toward achieving the goals of the Reimagine Middle Branch Plan.
Projects
Reimagine Middle Branch collaborators, including the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI), GreenVest, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), and the Institute for Marine & Environmental Science (IMET), are leading scientific projects that support restoration, monitoring, and community learning in the Middle Branch. These projects examine the Middle Branch from many angles: wetland function, biodiversity, invasive species, air quality, and the connections between environmental conditions and public health. Together, they create a fuller picture of the Middle Branch and increase our understanding of the ecosystem.
Below is a sample of current and past projects:
Reel Rewards: An invasive fish bounty program that provides fishers compensation per invasive fish and additional information submitted. This program provides data for invasive species management. Learn more on EJJI’s website.
Isabella Molatore, UMBC Interdisciplinary Consortium for Applied Research in the Environment (ICARE) master’s student: Isabella used eDNA techniques to assess the distribution and diversity of invasive fish in the Middle Branch area of the Patapsco River. She worked with EJJI to interview local fishers to see what species are present vs. what fishers are targeting and catching in these waters.
Breathe Baltimore: EJJI is partnering with SERC to bring air quality testing to South Baltimore. The project has deployed air quality sensors that measure particulate pollution, ozone, and other emissions. Learn more on EJJI’s website.
Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative monitoring: South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, SERC, and GreenVest are collaborating to monitor the restoration sites identified under MBRI. Pre- and post-restoration monitoring is underway and includes assessing restored vegetation overtime, sampling for fish and macroinvertebrates, and more.
Patapsco Delta Project - East
How to get involved
There are many ways to take part in learning and environmental stewardship in the Middle Branch. To connect with an existing project, learn more about current efforts, or request access to available data, contact info@reimaginemb.com or one of the collaborators listed above.
Photos courtesy of EJJI and Greenvest.