As part of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative, EQR helped enhance the shoreline along MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore’s Middle Branch neighborhood through the construction of a resilient, nature-based living shoreline. The project was designed to strengthen and protect the existing shoreline while creating opportunities for wetland habitat and ecological enhancement. EQR constructed an armored stone perimeter berm and a shallow-sloped perimeter berm, placed clean fill to establish the restored shoreline profile, and installed scour protection at existing outfalls. The existing revetment remained in place, allowing the project to build upon existing shoreline infrastructure while introducing new layers of protection and ecological function. Native wetland vegetation was then installed to help stabilize the shoreline, support habitat, and create a more natural transition between land and water. Together, these features provide a durable approach to shoreline protection that helps reduce erosion and withstand the ongoing impacts of waves, storm events, and changing coastal conditions.

EQR worked alongside the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, GreenVest, Moffatt & Nichol, and Biohabitats to bring this important component of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative to life. The project demonstrates how collaboration, engineering, and ecological restoration can work together to create stronger, more resilient waterfront communities. It is a part of further work in the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative including our wetland project south of the hospital.