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Introduction

During the last half of the twentieth century the growth of the Washington area led to pressures on environmentally sensitive areas, including Dyke Marsh. Plans were developed to again use the marsh as a dumping area - this time as a depository for dredged river spoil. (In the 1930's construction scrap was heaped onto the wildlife acreage). A group of local naturalists in 1975 decided to form a non-profit organization for the purpose of cooperating with the National Park Service in promoting the well-being of the marsh.

Since then the Friends have continued to work as an educational group, electing officers, holding quarterly open meetings, publishing a newsletter known as The Marsh Wren, raising money to sponsor scientific studies of the marsh, and promoting sound use of the marsh through weekly bird walks. The Friends also play an activist role, opposing unwise construction projects, misuse of pesticides and herbicides, and other activities impinging on the health of the marsh as a wildlife habitat. Through the efforts of many volunteers, data is compiled and organized to serve as a basis for preserving the integrity of the marsh. Our members devote hundreds of hours in the field to complete our annual Breeding Bird Survey that helps us understand avian life in the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.

Our Mission

To monitor and protect the marsh and its flora and fauna by working in cooperation with the citizenry, the local governments and the National Park Service.

To enjoy the marsh and all that it has to offer. We do this through: Weekly bird walks Monitoring and active involvement in regional conservation issues Offering educational programs Working closely with the community to increase the public conservation awareness of the marsh. Extensive Breeding Bird Survey of Dyke Marsh and the Belle Haven Picnic Area. Funding and completion of a comprehensive Biological Survey.

	The good folks at Huntley Meadows Park and their donation of meeting space for our membership meetings and programs.
	The legal expertise and hours donated by Covington and Burling.
	The National Park Service for information contained in this website and for our ongoing working relationship.