Learn about what to see and do during your visit to Masonville Cove. PLAN YOUR VISIT CAMPUS HOURS Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 4 PM Sunday: Closed Extended Hours: 9 AM - 8 PM (On the first Friday of every month) Click HERE to see a trail map. Please note Eagle Restrictions begin generally in November and are in place until the summer. LOCATION ADMISSION & PARKING Admission and parking are FREE at Masonville Cove. Visitors must sign in at the Education Center when they arrive. Thank you in advance! ARRIVAL BY WATER Kayakers are welcome to arrive by water! Please note that landing is only allowed at the beach by Captain Trash Wheel. Please view the campus hours and site rules on this page. On arrival, please sign in with the form linked here. Happy trails! Menu EXPLORE THIS SECTION General Facility & Accessibility Information LEARN MORE Education Center LEARN MORE Weekend & Evening Events LEARN MORE Outdoor Sights & Activities LEARN MORE Masonville DMCF Tours LEARN MORE Site Rules & Information LEARN MORE General Facility and Accessibility Information OVERVIEW Masonville Cove is an Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership located in Baltimore, Maryland. The area has a rich history, but by the 1960s had fallen into disrepair and was littered with large amounts of discarded materials. Restoration of the Cove by MDOT MPA began in 2007, and continues today. The project aims to provide benefits to local wildlife and the surrounding community in return for their support of Port operations. Today Masonville Cove includes 70 acres of water and 54 acres of restored wetlands and nature trails. The site also features an Education Center with a back deck overlooking the Cove, outdoor picnic tables, a fishing pier, and more. AMENITIES Admission and parking are free to all visitors at Masonville Cove. Parking is located directly in front of the Education Center. We do ask that all visitors sign in at the Education Center so that we can provide safety information and keep track of everyone visiting the site. Restrooms and water can also be found in the Education Center. ACCESSIBILITY Masonville Cove is designed to be accessible to visitors. Some accessibility features include an elevator in our Education Center, as well as ramp access to the outdoor areas of the Cove. Please let us know if you have specific questions about site accessibility. GENERAL FACILITY & ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION Education Center OVERVIEW The Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) provides enjoyable exhibits and information for our site visitors, and plays an important role in the environmental education the Living Classrooms Foundation provides for students. We invite all our visitors to explore this state-of-the-art green building to learn about the history of Masonville Cove and the wildlife that now call it home. AMENITIES In the main education room you'll find interactive (hands-on) kid-friendly displays and see our animal ambassadors. Historic artifacts found during the environmental restoration of the Cove are also on display on the main floor. Restrooms and water are available inside the Education Center on the first floor, and an elevator in the building can transport visitors downstairs to access the back deck, if needed. Downstairs in the Education Center are two student laboratories that Living Classrooms Foundation uses to provide rich, hands-on environmental education experiences for visiting classes. EDUCATION CENTER Outdoor Sights and Activities SIGHT-SEE FROM THE BACK DECK The large back deck behind the Education Center is the perfect place to look out over the Cove, enjoy a snack, or bird watch. HIKE AND EXPLORE THE COVE Take a walk along the beautiful trails that run across the property. Most trails are very level and easy to walk. Masonville Cove is home to hundreds of different kinds of birds and other wildlife, so keep your eyes open while you're exploring— you'll be amazed by how much you see! EAT A PICNIC Pack a meal or snack to eat at the picnic tables located outside the Education Center. Food is not permitted on the waterfront campus/trails. BIRD WATCH Masonville Cove is one of the top birding "hot spots" (places with the most different types of birds observed) in the entire state of Maryland! Over 230 different kinds of birds have been found at the Cove, from song birds to waterfowl to raptors. In 2019, Masonville Cove was home to Baltimore City's first known pair of nesting bald eagles, which raised two eaglets. MEET CAPTAIN TRASH WHEEL Stop by, say hello, and take a selfie with our trash-gobbling, googly-eyed hero! Click here to learn more about Captain before your visit. FIND MASONVILLE'S GEOCACHE Explore Masonville while "geocaching ," a fun activity that enables players to use phones (or other GPS-enabled devices) to participate in real-life, outdoor treasure hunts. The hunt for Masonville's geocache will lead you on a scenic exploration of the Cove and eventually to a "treasure chest" (geocache container)! Click here to view a video to learn more about Geocaching at Masonville Cove. FISH AT THE PIER Visit our fishing pier to get a closer look at the river. You can walk along the trails to the pier, or can access it from the water by non-motorized boat. You can also go fishing from the pier (state laws regarding required fishing license apply). Bring your own poles or ask at the Education Center to borrow one. OUTDOOR SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES DMCF Tours OVERVIEW If you're interested in learning more about the Port of Baltimore's role in the restoration of Masonville Cove, consider a behind-the-scenes tour of the nearby Masonville Dredged Material Containment Facility (DMCF). Tour groups go on a guided riding tour of the DMCF, which is located adjacent to the restored areas of the Cove. TOUR CONTENT During the tour you'll learn about how the creation of the DMCF and the stewardship of the Port of Baltimore helped transform the Cove from a neglected waste to the habitat you see today. Because the DMCF is a construction site, these are prearranged guided riding tours only. MASONVILLE DMCF TOURS Site Rules and Information THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PERMITTED: Smoking Fires Alcohol Drugs Weapons Illegal activities Swimming/ wading Skateboarding/ skating ATVs, bicycles, or horses Motorized boats Digging Pets* *Trained service animals (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) are allowed. We ask that all visitors follow our site rules in order to ensure that Masonville Cove remains safe and protected for our resident wildlife and other visitors enjoying the site. Please help us keep the Cove beautiful by not littering, and by leaving nature where you find it. Don't collect plants or animals, either alive or dead (they're still important for the ecosystem). SITE RULES & INFORMATION

Learn about opportunities to give back to Masonville Cove and the environment through volunteer projects. INVOLVEMENT AT MASONVILLE COVE UPCOMING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Masonville Cove Links Internship Program, following the success of its previous three programs! We need your help recruiting our next cohort to build the future of conservation professionals! Questions and general communication can be directed to mceecinternships@gmail.com PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES! We are now accepting applications for the new Friends of Masonville Cove Coordinator position, building on the successful work of community members and prior coordinators to activate the Friends Group. Community members and partners have worked to form the new “Friends of Masonville Cove” a volunteer-based nonprofit organization with a mission to help shape and support Masonville Cove through stewardship, outreach, and habitat-focused activities. The Coordinator will help lay the groundwork for this emerging group while supporting existing programs, volunteer activities, and collaborative conservation efforts at Masonville Cove. The full description for the position can be read here! Apply via LinkedIn , or by emailing your resume and cover letter to: FriendsofMasonvilleCove@gmail.com The application can be submitted by clicking the link here. 2026 Masonville Cove Links Internship Program The Masonville Cove Links Internship Program offers a unique and valuable experience for students interested in learning about careers in conservation and community engagement. Participants will find that careers in conservation are possible in many more fields of study than they realized! Interns will work with key Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership partners, such as the Maryland Port Administration, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Living Classrooms Foundation and National Aquarium in a wide variety of experiences and office environments. They will contribute to the area's research, restoration, and preservation efforts, including the Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge and the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center. They will gain practical skills and soft skills training in etiquette, appropriate attire, and communications facilitated by distinguished professionals and local chapter members of The Links, Incorporated, further enhancing their overall personal growth and readiness. The program is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and it offers a chance to make a real impact in our community. Students from local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are encouraged to apply. Applications for the 2026 Masonville Cove Links WildSTEM Internship Program are now closed. Keep an eye out for future opportunities! We need your help recruiting to build the future of conservation professionals! Questions and general communication can be directed to mceecinternships@gmail.com Do you have questions about involvement opportunities? SEND US A MESSAGE! SUBMIT Thanks for reaching out to us! Someone will get back to you shortly.

Learn about the Friends of Masonville Cove, what we do, and how to join! FRIENDS OF MASONVILLE COVE ABOUT THE FRIENDS The Friends of Masonville Cove are committed to preserving the natural beauty of the space and promoting sustainable practices in our communities. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and share a passion for protecting wildlife and their habitats. Join Today! WHAT WE DO With over 35,000 students inspired by Masonville Cove programs and an average of 3,000 visitors a year, we’re transforming how people connect with nature while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. From clean-up efforts to wildlife monitoring and yoga, join us in fostering a refuge for people and wildlife. FOSTERING A REFUGE: FOR PEOPLE & WILDLIFE Community Collaboration Fun Inclusion JOIN THE FRIENDS The Friends are building strong connections and navigating how to establish as a 501(c) (3) organization. For more information email us @ friendsofmasonvillecove@gmail.com To join us and be notified of meetings and Friends-led programs, please submit this form. What's your name? Do you have any preferred pronouns?* Tell us about yourself! What are you interested in and what are you passionate about?* Do you prefer to be contacted by Phone? If so, leave your number! Email* What's your ZIP Code? * Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Join the Friends

WILDLIFE AT MASONVILLE MASONVILLE COVE WILDLIFE FUN FACTS Did you know that.. Muskrats, a water rodent commonly found at Masonville Cove, have webbed back feet, laterally flattened tails, and the ability to hold their breath underwater for 15-20 minutes. A Bald Eagle’s grip is 10 times stronger than a human’s. A Squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing and they can smell and find food buried beneath a foot of snow. A Canada Goose can sleep while they’re migrating and can fly for up to two weeks at a time Dolphins used to live in the Chesapeake Bay. In 2018, there were 1,129 dolphin sightings reported through Chesapeake Dolphin and these numbers are increasing every year! Wildlife Sightings LEARN MORE Tips for Spotting Wildlife LEARN MORE Birding at Masonville LEARN MORE US Fish & Wildlife Surveys LEARN MORE More Resources LEARN MORE Wildlife Sightings by Ela Carpenter (onsite US Fish and Wildlife Biologist) COYOTES AT MASONVILLE COVE US Fish & Wildlife Survey survey cameras have reported sighting coyotes on the Masonville Cove campus. BABY EAGLETS On April 20th, 2021 it was reported that the eagles eggs have hatched and there are baby eaglets in the nest! On April 20th, 2021 it was reported that the eagles eggs have hatched and there are baby eaglets in the nest! January 15, 2021- On m y second day of work I was out in the field with Robbie doing the seasonal mammal camera surveys. I was happy to see a pair of coyotes visiting MC on a regular basis! My understanding is that in the past we haven't seen coyotes here too often. Attached are a photo and videos, one in MC and the other on the gravel road outside MC. There were a couple of sightings of a pair at Cox Creek as well, but I don't know if it's the same pair. As a Baltimore native I'm so happy to have this opportunity to study wildlife in my hometown and share it with others. I'm looking forward to working with and learning from all of you. Coyote Canis Latrans Now on Sale Tips for Spotting Wildlife at Masonville Cove Bring binoculars Be quiet and aware of your surroundings Don't make a lot of noise Be respectful of the wildlife at Masonville Birding at Masonville Ebird Maryland-Masonville Cove List of Top Bird sightings at Masonville Cove: Ruddy Duck European Starling European Grosbeak Savannah Sparrow Bonaparte’s Gull Wood Duck Lesser Scaup Spotted Sandpiper Barn Swallow Bufflehead DNR Birding Hotspots in Maryland US Fish & Wildlife Surveys More Resources DNR’s Useful backyard wildlife habitat resources Learn about creating urban wildlife habitats by designating a green space near your home as a Baltimore Greenspace If you find injured wildlife in your neighborhood, consider reaching out to a local wildlife refuge center to help rehabilitate them.

Fill out a field trip request form to start planning your hands-on educational experience at Masonville Cove. SCHEDULE A LIVING CLASSROOMS FIELD TRIP Fill out a field trip request form to start planning your hands-on educational experience at Masonville Cove. SUBMIT A FIELD TRIP REQUEST The Living Classrooms Foundation is offering in-person field trips and currently booking for the school year. Click here to read descriptions of each of our field trip programs. See below for more information or email nhouston@livingclassrooms.org . To schedule, please submit the form below. How would you prefer to be contacted? Email Phone Program Themes I'm Interested In Birdy Bonanza Budding Botanists Erosion, Weathering, and Landslides, Oh My! Exploring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Hidden Hibernators Insect Encounters Island Fever Stream Study: Baltimore's Water Quality Terrapin Tales Tracks and Scat Who Killed Rocky Rockfish? Wonders of Wildlife! Customized Lesson Themes SUBMIT Thanks for reaching out to us! You will receive an email confirming your field trip request, and someone will get back to you shortly.

Participate in our annual BioBlitz by working with wildlife experts and community volunteers to find, identify, and record plant and animal species that live at Masonville Cove. Please follow the registration to the National Aquarium's page! BioBlitz with the National Aquarium 2022 Participate in our annual BioBlitz by working with wildlife experts and community volunteers to find, identify, and record plant and animal species that live at Masonville Cove. Please follow the registration to the National Aquarium's page!

Check on site closures or restrictions that may impact your visit. SITE CLOSURES & ANNOUNCEMENTS There are no weather related closings at this time. The campus is open during the regularly scheduled hours of Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with the exception of holidays which are featured closures on our home page. WEATHER DELAYS & CLOSINGS SITE CLOSURE INFORMATION From January to June, a portion of the campus marked by our temporary fence line will be closed due to our nesting Bald Eagles. Check back for updates! The Captain Trash Wheel trail and Upland trail are still open and offer great views of Baltimore City! Eagle Restrictions

Join us for an in-person craft inspired by nature! We will share stories and learn about the trees budding at Masonville while making our own tree paintings. Enjoy a walk with us for field observations and take a moment to appreciate the outdoors! Registration required. Nature for Kids: Best Buds Join us for an in-person craft inspired by nature! We will share stories and learn about the trees budding at Masonville while making our own tree paintings. Enjoy a walk with us for field observations and take a moment to appreciate the outdoors! Registration required.

Learn about Masonville Cove's history and transformation from rural village, to neglected landscape, to the vibrant habitat you see today. HISTORY OF MASONVILLE COVE 1890s Town of Masonville founded early 1900s Masonville is home to a few hundred residents 1940s Baltimore's economy and population are booming; over 859,000 people live in Baltimore 1950s Increased industry has pushed out Masonville community residents 1960s Patapsco River is heavily polluted due to industry and large populations 2003 Masonville is evaluated as a placement site for dredged material 2005 Starting in this year, hearings and meetings are held to discuss dredged material placement and restoration 2007 Cleanup and restoration begin at Masonville Cove 2009 Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center opens 2013 Masonville Cove is designated the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership 2018 Captain Trash Wheel is installed at Masonville Cove 2019 Masonville Cove celebrates a DECADE OF DEDICATION to the community by offering a series of special events 2023 Masonville Cove celebrates 10 years as an Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership EARLY COMMUNITY & GROWTH Masonville began as a small community located at the south-west side of Baltimore, Maryland. At the end of the 1800s, Masonville was a town with a few homes and several businesses that served the local community. The town experienced new prosperity and growth when railroad lines were laid running through Masonville to industries in nearby Brooklyn and Curtis Bay. Masonville and its surrounding neighborhoods grew as Baltimore's economy boomed and new immigrants arrived. Thriving operations at the Port of Baltimore, railroads, and factories were key in driving and supporting this new growth. However, as the economy boomed, land along the railroad became more valuable to industry. And as industry encroached, the people living in Masonville began to leave. By the 1950s, Masonville had been converted from a community to an industrial area. CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGE While a benefit to the economy and human communities, the impact of industrial operations and large human populations took its toll on the Patapsco River. By the mid-1960s the river was effectively lifeless due to pollution; open sewers, foam from detergents, and algae blooms fed by excess fertilizers running into the river had polluted the water to the point that almost nothing lived in it. Change also struck at Baltimore's staple industries. With no central command, port facilities began to deteriorate. This changed in 1956 when the Maryland Port Authority (now the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration) was created. However, when the economy contracted it caused industries to close, leaving behind pollution and empty lots. Highways and rail lines still cut Masonville off from neighboring communities. Meanwhile, the Cove area became a dumping ground for industry and nearby residents. The area became littered with tires, steel, concrete, and other debris. A TURNING POINT Although the town of Masonville had disappeared as industry advanced into the area, Masonville Cove remained a home for many species of wildlife. With habitat loss due to human development an increasingly common problem for wildlife throughout the Atlantic region, Masonville became an important habitat and resting stop for wildlife (especially migratory birds). Local environmentalists advocated to preserve the area for its natural beauty and importance in the regional ecosystem. In 2002, the Maryland Port Administration at the Port of Baltimore pulled together a group of volunteers from the community and civic organizations, non-profit organizations, environmental interest groups, and local and state representatives to form the Baltimore Harbor Team. This team makes recommendations on potential placement options for dredged material (sediment removed from shipping channels to ensure safe passage for ships with the deepest drafts). The Harbor Team proposed a study of the Masonville site, a preferred option. In 2004, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port offered to restore and preserve Masonville Cove and to construct an education center as a part of a harbor dredging project. Throughout 2005-2006, public hearings and community meetings were held to review an environmental impact statement for the proposed project, and to receive feedback about future environmental and community enhancements from the surrounding community. Partnerships with the community continue today through the operation of the Masonville Citizens Advisory Committee . Meetings—which are open to the public—are held twice a year. RESTORATION & RENEWAL Restoration of Masonville Cove began in 2007. The early years saw the removal of derelict vessels from the water and more than 61,000 tons of trash and debris, some of it dating back to the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. The Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center opened in 2009 and today houses staff from the Living Classrooms Foundation, which provides environmental education experiences for area students. Although the changes at Masonville Cove are incredible, the work of restoring and enhancing Masonville Cove continues to this day. Volunteers continue to make a difference at the Cove by participating in shoreline cleanups, and in 2018 Captain Trash Wheel arrived at Masonville Cove to help keep litter out of the Patapsco River. Today Masonville Cove is home to the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, over 280 bird species (including Baltimore City's first returning pair of nesting bald eagles), and one world-class trash-eating machine. It serves an important role in education, community engagement, and outdoor recreation.

Joins Audubon for a guided birdwatching tour at Masonville Cove. One of the many locations during the Baltimore's Birding Weekend. Registration for this event can be found below to participate in this event. Space is limited. Audubon's Baltimore Birding Event at Masonville Cove Joins Audubon for a guided birdwatching tour at Masonville Cove. One of the many locations during the Baltimore's Birding Weekend. Registration for this event can be found below to participate in this event. Space is limited.