Baltimore's waterfront has a new addition that both nods to its natural past and looks toward an eco-friendly future. Rolled out by the National Aquarium, a 10,000-square-foot slice of coastal splendor now sits snug between the urban infrastructure of the Inner Harbor. This Harbor Wetland exhibit doesn't just mimic the original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitats, it revives them right in the heart of the city, as reported by WMAR2 News.

Marking this achievement is an array of partnerships and investments that highlight the project's importance. According to Fox Baltimore, the $14 million Harbor Wetland was made possible by CFG Bank's lead sponsorship, bolstered by other private investments from heavy hitters like The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and The Bunting Family Philanthropies, as well as the generous support of local, state, and federal governments.

More than just a quiet place to immerse in nature, the wetland is a living laboratory and a symbol of Baltimore's commitment to environmental stewardship. "Harbor Wetland is the culmination of 12 years of research, innovation and determination," John Racanelli, President and CEO of the National Aquarium, conveyed in a statement. He further expressed his excitement for residents and visitors to engage with the harbor in a yet still unfolding chapter of the Inner City’s story, as detailed by Fox Baltimore.

With more than 32,000 native plants breathing new life into the harbor, the Harbor Wetland serves as both a green oasis amid the concrete and a bridge to Baltimore's rich aquatic heritage.