BGE operator trainee, Michael Martino, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rescued a Blue Heron from BGE’s Spring Gardens Complex.

 

The Blue Heron spent several days at the Spring Gardens Complex, in South Baltimore, with what appeared to be a broken wing. During its stay at the Spring Gardens Complex, the Blue Heron was provided food (fish) and water by Michael Martino. When it became evident the Blue Heron was not healing and its long term health was in danger, the BGE Environmental Management Unit was notified and they assisted in working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to rescue the bird.

 

The DNR safely rescued and removed the Blue Heron from the Spring Gardens Complex. The Blue Heron was taken to a local veterinary clinic where its broken wing was treated under their care. The DNR officer informed BGE that the bird made a full recovery and was released back into the wild.

 

“BGE is committed to balancing the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electric service, with the environmental concerns of its customers and the communities it serves,” said Daniel Norden, director of environmental management, BGE. “A core element of our company's commitment to the environment is protecting the wildlife, forests, plants and waterways in our communities, as we provide for our customers' energy needs. This is a commitment embraced by each of our businesses.”

 

The Blue Heron, which is the largest North American heron, can be found in a wide range of habitats, including fresh and saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges or shorelines, but always close to bodies of water, usually nesting in trees or bushes.

 

In 2008, BGE earned the Wildlife Habitat Council's (WHC) Wildlife at Work certification for the successful implementation of a comprehensive wildlife habitat management program at its 72-acre Spring Gardens Complex in Baltimore City. This prestigious distinction was awarded to BGE's program as a result of its demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term wildlife habitat enhancement efforts.

 

To view photos from the Blue Heron rescue, click here.