Nestled along the Patapsco River, Masonville Cove Partnership is the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership and unlike most of the parks we visit.
Quick Look at Masonville Cove Partnership
Address: 1000 Frankfurst Avenue, Baltimore
Phone: 410-354-7180
Website: masonvillecove.org
Admission: FREE
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am-4pm
Parking: Free
Pets: Dogs not allowed
Notes: Jogging stroller will work, Restrooms on-site
Across the river you see large ships docked in Baltimore and the park is surrounded by heavy industry, all while birds fly overhead and butterflies enjoy the meadow. Short trails criss-cross the refuge across 54 acres of restored wetlands, meadows, vernal ponds and along the river.
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By the 1950s highways and railroad lines had turned a thriving community into an industrial area. People moved out and pollution virtually killed the Patapsco River although migratory birds still used Masonville Cove as a stopping point. Restoration of the cove started in 2007. 61,000 tons of trash were removed and in 2009 the education center opened. The Living Classrooms Foundation runs a lot of the programs at Masonville Cove. Captain Trash Wheel was installed in 2018 and runs during rainstorms.
On your arrival go to the Education and sign in at the table outside. There are trail maps and other information available right there. Ring the buzzer at the door to go inside and use the restrooms. From the deck you can see an outdoor classroom and it is the access point to all of the trails
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There are two fishing piers that can be accessed from the Meadow Trail. Take your time walking around the meadow to enjoy the critters living there and enjoy the views of huge ships docked in Baltimore. Next take a short walk and head over to see Captain Trash Wheel. The Upland Trail, about 1.2 miles long one way, is the longest trail. It’s out and back and ends at a big chain link fence around the Masonville Dredged Material Containment Facility. Older students will get a lot out of observing the restoration efforts along the trail and the merging of industrial land use.
Check the website to see community events.
Geocaching Cache in, Trash Out (CITO) Event
Looking for more fun parks to explore? See our collection of Park Spotlights for great places to experience nature.