A Home Run for Native Wildlife

Orioles are best known for two things: beautiful feathers and hitting it out of the park. In 2016, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, also became home to the Oriole Garden, a native wildlife haven for Maryland flora and fauna. Together, the National Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation, Maryland Stadium Authority, Blue Water Baltimore, Orioles staff and other supporters planted the Oriole Garden near the south entrance of the ballpark, officially bringing birds and baseball players onto the same turf. Today, this garden spans 10,000 square feet and features thousands of plants from dozens of native species.

To celebrate 10 years of native blooms, National Aquarium, Maryland Stadium Authority, National Wildlife Federation and Orioles staff came together to give the garden some TLC. Green spaces in our city, like the Oriole Garden, are for all Baltimoreans, so let's explore the past, present and future of this bird-friendly garden.

Creating a Greener Baltimore

Three years before the Oriole Garden existed, the National Wildlife Federation and its Maryland affiliate, the National Aquarium, announced a plan to certify the City of Baltimore as a Community Wildlife Habitat™. Over the course of five years, we certified green spaces at over 600 homes, 10 parks and six schools. Baltimore became a Community Wildlife Habitat™ in 2018!

There are two main requirements for certification: wildlife habitats and education. All certified wildlife habitats must have food, water, cover, places for animals to raise young, and sustainable gardening practices. These habitats can be at people's homes, common areas (like businesses or farms) or schools. Education initiatives must teach the community about the benefits of native plants and sustainable gardening.

"Green spaces greatly improve quality of life for people while creating essential habitat for wildlife," said Marcus Tuah, community conservation manager at the National Wildlife Federation. "Certifying Baltimore has improved local air and water quality, reduced heat and flooding, and supported pollinators and diversity. Green spaces create healthier and more resilient communities."

The National Aquarium and the National Wildlife Federation engaged Baltimore residents through newspaper articles, radio interviews and brochures. They also organized community projects to plant trees, install native gardens and more. Our campaign about Maryland's state bird, the oriole, inspired a collaboration with the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Baltimore Orioles to create the Oriole Garden.

"The Oriole Garden is an important urban wildlife habitat that offers employees, volunteers and fans the opportunity to learn about the benefits of planting native plants," said Victoria Gurdak, manager of tenant services and events at the Maryland Stadium Authority. "We hope the garden inspires environmentally conscious practices at home and at work."

Calling All Critters!

Ten years later, the Oriole Garden is still thriving. With staggered blooms throughout the active season, wildlife and baseball fans alike can always find something flowering in the garden. Native plants like ragwort, goldenrod and butterfly weed were specifically selected to attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees and birds. Over the years, visitors have spotted monarchs, American woodcocks, white-throated sparrows, emerald jumping spiders, Cooper's hawks and more.

"Weeds can outpace and outcompete vital native plant species that take longer to grow and flourish," said Hallie Carter, conservation project manager at the National Aquarium. "Some weeds establish themselves quickly because of their shallow root systems, providing little to no stability to the soil, while others, like vines, can suffocate and smother their neighbors. That's why regular garden maintenance is important."

After a hard day's work, the garden is looking good. If you're lucky enough to attend a baseball game this year, make sure to stop by, relax and take a stroll around the flowers.

The Future of the Garden (It's You!)

You can certify your own garden through the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program or volunteer at a monthly Oriole Garden maintenance event during baseball season. Follow the National Aquarium's Oriole Garden Maintenance Eventbrite collection or subscribe to our Conservation newsletter to be the first to know when registration is live!

"Volunteering with us helps demystify gardening because everyone can participate, from the super knowledgeable to the beginners," said Grace Siu, conservation coordinator at the National Aquarium. "Every volunteer walks away knowing that they made a difference."