Pennsport in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Legacy of an Urban Waterfront: a Changing River Shoreline
Washington Avenue Green
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 27, 2024
1. Legacy of an Urban Waterfront: a Changing River Shoreline Marker
The natural mosaic of forest, wetlands and floodplain that once thrived along this waterfront has been virtually lost. During the Central Delaware River's long history of commerce and shipping, its shoreline has been dramatically altered to provide docks, piers, and other port facilities. This has made it harder for people to enjoy the riverfront and harder for the shoreline to perform natural functions, such as filtering polluted water and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.
Recent efforts to reverse this trend, including habitat restoration here at Pier 53, focus on providing people access to the riverfront and improving ecological health. This project aims to enhance habitat by restoring natural meadow and woodland. Innovative techniques, such as floating wetland, islands, help filter polluted stormwater and also serve as habitat.
More than 20 species of fish live between Pier 53 and Pier 78. Abandoned piers serve as nursery areas for young, migratory fish, especially river herring such as the American shad, the alewife, and the blueback herring.
Erected by Pennsylvania Construction Management Program; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; Pennsylvania Environmental Protection; Delaware River Waterfront Corporation;
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 39° 55.935′ N, 75° 8.525′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Pennsport. Marker is on Delaware River Trail south of South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. The marker stands on the grounds of the Washington Avenue Green. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1341R S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19147, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington Avenue Pier (within shouting distance of this marker); Improving Urban Ecology along the Delaware: Watersheds and Stormwater Quality (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grand Battery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Avenue Immigration Station (about 500 feet away); Captain John Douglass (approx. 0.2 miles away); Catherine Hanson (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Gloria Dei" Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Gloria Dei Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 27, 2024
2. Legacy of an Urban Waterfront: a Changing River Shoreline Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 28, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
