Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Internship: Spotlight on Sabine Feldman

In July 2025, Blue Water Baltimore hosted our first-ever cohort of Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper interns for a two-week intensive “bootcamp” style immersive learning experience. The opportunity was generously funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of the Environment under the Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program. Hear how the internship helped shape the next generation of Baltimore’s environmental stewards in their own words:

These past two weeks at the Blue Water Baltimore Bootcamp have been incredibly eye-opening. Going into this experience, I knew very little about BWB or the specific environmental challenges facing Baltimore City, but I quickly came to understand how deeply those issues are connected to the people, policies, and history of the area. What I gained from this experience went far beyond my expectations. This experience didn’t just focus on collecting and analyzing data, it gave me a deeper understanding of the historical, structural, and ecological systems that impact the health of the Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. I also had the opportunity to engage with the resilient, community-driven neighborhoods of East and West Baltimore, where residents continue to navigate the lasting effects of structural racism, economic disinvestment, and environmental injustice.

 I learned about water quality parameters, the complexities of Baltimore’s underground sewage system, and the legal and political processes of environmental protection. I was given the amazing opportunity to meet with members of the City Council and Mayor Scott, which helped me understand how layered and intricate policymaking is on local, state, and federal levels. Through workshops, field visits, and powerful conversations, I’ve come to understand that advocacy isn’t just about gathering data or raising your voice. It is about listening, building relationships, and committing to long-term, hands-on work grounded in collaboration and a willingness to keep learning. BWB has taught me that my voice matters, and that it’s never too early or too late to create lasting change.