Why Masonville Cove?

Working in the Survey department of an environmental organization is not where I thought I would find myself. Since beginning in this position I have found a new appreciation for this side of environmental work. Although most of my days are spent on construction sites for new environmental projects, I do get to spend time on wetland sites that have been completed. One such site is Masonville Cove. It consists of various wetlands, upland forests and successional forests. Combining all of these unique habitats in one small area you can find a wide variety of species from bald eagles, snapping turtles to water snakes. I enjoy exploring this site every time we go because each visit I see something new. Not only is it an incredibly diverse site in a small area, but it is also within Baltimore City limits so it is a very unique urban green space as well. I think doing a biodiversity study at a location like this would prove how important they are to create in urban areas. It would show that despite many peoples beliefs that cities are vacant of wildlife, cities can be great way-points for many species. I believe urban green spaces will continue to be an important issue not just because of urban sprawl but for environmental education in urban areas.

I believe biodiversity is extremely important on ALL scales from local, to regionally to globally. Without a biodiverse world the entire globes ecosystems and their functions would likely be severely damaged and changed if not completely eliminated. Each species has their role and function within their very specific habitat that is vital to its existence. Without predators, prey populations would explode and likely go beyond carrying capacities destroying habitat. Without detritivores and decomposers organic matter would pile up and make habitats unlivable. Each organism in a community has its purpose within it, it has a role to play that humans may not even understand yet. Maintaining these biodiverse communities is essential to environmental health.