Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Internship: Spotlight on Tiwalade Taylor
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:
Interning with Blue Water Baltimore for the past 10 days has truly been eye-opening. I’ve learned so much—from discovering that Baltimore has underground streams resurfacing, to seeing how real the issues around water and air quality are in certain neighborhoods. It’s made me realize just how deep environmental injustice runs, especially in communities that have been overlooked for far too long.
We had the chance to talk with strong community leaders and visit neighborhoods facing real issues—like food deserts, pollution, and flooding.
What inspired me most was seeing how these communities aren’t waiting for change—they’re building it. By removing concrete and adding more green spaces and rain gardens where kids can play safely, they’re helping soak up rainwater naturally—easing pressure on the stormwater system and making their neighborhoods healthier places to live.
A highlight was stepping into Baltimore City Hall, where my cohort met Councilwoman Porter, other council members, and Mayor Brandon Scott. Councilman Mark Conway said something that stayed with me: “Maryland was built on the back of Baltimore—it’s time Maryland gives back.”
As a Social Work major at Morgan State University, I’ve always wondered what my global impact could be. This internship helped me realize that impact can start right here—by helping restore Baltimore. Whether it’s advocating for environmental justice, supporting families in affected communities, or educating others, I’m committed to making a difference.
