The third and final phase of the Water Street shoreline restoration project in Havre de Grace wrapped up Thursday afternoon, following the planting of 4,000 native plants.

More than a dozen volunteers joined the initiative, bringing to a close an almost five-year construction process.

The third phase also features water depths up to 17 feet that work to dissipate wave energy and improve water quality in the Susquehanna River.

The project was spearheaded by the City of Havre de Grace, BayLand Consultants, Cianelli Construction and the National Wildlife Federation.

“The overall goal of the project is to soften a very hardened shoreline across the entirety of the project area,” said Chris Rager, project manager at BayLand Consultants and Designers, who designed the space. “The hope is that the site will mature, become fully green, as well as provide tidal, intertidal and nontidal habitat.”

All plants used are native to Maryland, including black and brown-eyed Susans, along with other flowers in the aster family. The 4,000 plants add to the 24,000 native shrubs, plants and trees installed on the site.

Phase three construction began in February as crews worked to remove bulk concrete and create a new shoreline with cobble, sand and rocks.

Gradually, large logs were placed to reduce wave energy and erosion. Shrubbery and trees were then positioned to filter rainwater before it runs into the river.

“We’re hoping that [the shoreline restoration] can be used to serve as an example of how nature-based solutions and things like living material, stones and debris sourced locally can reduce wave energy and act as a flood protection and flood barrier,” said Kate Vogel, senior manager of coastal resilience in NWF’s mid-Atlantic regional office.

Adaptive management, Rager said, will be the most important part of the project and its longevity. BayLand will survey the site twice a year to look for submerged aquatic vegetation and visit monthly over the next year to ensure the site becomes established.

“There is a long-term stewardship of this, on the city’s part, and then both the contractor and ourselves,” Rager said. “We have a vested interest; we actually are all very passionate about this type of work, so we want it to look nice. I like to come to Havre de Grace with my family, so I don’t want this to be a failure.”

June 5, 2025: Volunteer Sky Randall plants native vegetation during a shoreline restoration event in Havre de Grace, Md. More than 4,000 plants were added to the new dune habitat to help stabilize the shoreline. (Nia Meyers/Staff)
Volunteer Sky Randall plants native vegetation during a shoreline restoration event in Havre de Grace. More than 4,000 plants were added to the new dune habitat to help stabilize the shoreline. (Nia Meyers/Staff)

Everything within the shoreline was strategically placed, Rager said, as some plants thrive being closer to the water while others don’t need as much water.

Volunteers Rick Leader and Lori Spencer said they are excited to see the finished product, as they are avid outdoor people.

In addition to shoreline restoration, the project features a public kayak launch and boat ramp.

“It’s going to be a great place for families and wildlife,” said Leader, who has lived in the area for about four years. “I think these plants are a nice mix. … It is already a great family place; this is going to make it a lot better.”

June 5, 2025: Plants grow along the shoreline during a planting event in Havre de Grace, Md. Volunteers from the City of Havre de Grace, BayLand Consultants and Cianelli Construction planted more than 4,000 native plants on the newly created dune habitat to promote dune stabilization. (Nia Meyers/Staff)
Plants grow along the shoreline during the planting event in Havre de Grace. (Nia Meyers/Staff)

“I think it will give people who are active more opportunities,” Spencer said.

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