We’ll feature two very different types of homes on this walking tour in Fell’s Point. We’ll start the morning with Baltimore birder Kevin Marshall on a journey to one of the city’s most unexpected wildlife intersections: the thriving black‑crowned night heron rookery tucked into the trees of Thames Street Park.
Kevin has spent two spring seasons documenting this unique opportunity, noting the herons’ return, their nesting behavior, and the daily drama of raising young above a busy waterfront. As of early May, the rookery includes 30 active nests across nine trees, with 24 currently on eggs. Let’s see what it’s like for these resilient birds to choose to return to this busy area year after year. To learn more about night herons, Kevin will be presenting at our Must-Learn Thursday program on June 25. Register here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6700173.
Next up on our itinerary is a quick walk to tour the historic Robert Long House, the oldest surviving residence in Baltimore’s original city limits. Long built his 28 x 28 square foot home in 1765 on land purchased from Edward Fell, who first established Fell’s Point in 1731. Two centuries later, in 1975, after years of neglect, The Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fells Point began restoration of the home and garden, showcasing the life of an ordinary merchant in the eighteenth century rather than the usual wealthy landowners and their upper-class culture of the time.
Inside, historic objects like the beaded baseboard, molded chair rail, baluster staircase, and plaster walls made with deer or cow hair reflect the period construction and design. By 1984, the Preservation Society had completed most of the interior, and the Perennial Garden Club had finished roughly half of the gardens with “of the era” plants and herbs.
From there, we’ll walk to the Captain Daniel McMeal House, built in 1809. This house is a rare surviving example of early maritime waterfront architecture, featuring the original trim and floor plan. The house is listed in the Historic American Buildings Survey, which works to preserve a detailed look at the floor plans and structure of original 1700s Baltimore row homes. Note that access to the second floor and third floor is a tight winding staircase with higher-than-standard risers. If you are not comfortable using the stairs, you are welcome to wait on the first floor while the group goes up.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Recommended to wear a long-sleeve shirt to protect from falling bird poop.
- Bring binoculars if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Members: $30
- Non Members: $35