Cox Creek

History

The Maryland Port Administration purchased what is now the Cox Creek site from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1997 and opened it for the placement of dredged material beginning in 2005. Placement of dredge material continues today and the site is currently being expanded to include an adjacent site that was the former Kennecott Copper Refinery and vertically raise the dikes to +60 feet by 2024.

Today

A hotspot for local wildlife fans and bird aficionados, the Cox Creek site includes 126 acres of preserved wetlands, known as Swan Creek. This has become one of Maryland’s top birding spots as it serves as a resting spot for migratory birds and native species alike. Birders, nature lovers and the general public are invited each year to visit Cox Creek at the annual Open House held in the Fall which features education opportunities about the dredging program, a chance to see the construction process, meet our partners, and enjoy fun family-friendly interactive activities.

Building the Future Together

As a result of recommendations from community stakeholders, the Maryland Port Administration is developing a nature trail adjacent to Cox Creek which will facilitate learning and recreation in the Swan Creek wetland area. The Swan Creek Nature Trail is scheduled to open by 2025, and is made possible by the contributions of the Cox Creek Citizens Oversight Committee.