|
|
|
|
About the MarshDyke Marsh is a freshwater tidal wetland consisting of 380 acres just south of Alexandria, Virginia, and north of historic Mt. Vernon. Located on the west bank of the Potomac River some 95 miles from the Chesapeake Bay, Dyke Marsh is owned by the U. S. Federal Government and is managed by the National Park Service as a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is an area of open water, cattail marsh, wetland shrubs and plants, and deciduous swamp forest. In the early 1800's earthen walls were built around the perimeter of the marsh in order to create more "fast land," land not inundated by high tides. The "dyked" area was then used to graze livestock and to grow crops. Over the years, the marsh has developed into a wide expanse of marsh vegetation, and tidal silts have provided a footing for marsh plants and the floodplain tree species of sycamores, maples and poplars. Today, the area is unique in that it represents the largest remaining piece of freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington Metropolitan area. It is best known for its resident and migratory bird populations, the weekly bird walks that take place year-long, and for the extensive breeding bird survey conducted every summer. Animals of the MarshDyke Marsh provides habitat which supports a diverse collection of animals. Evidence of beaver activity is visible along the haul road and beavers, along with muskrats, can most often be seen in the early evening swimming in the marsh. Other mammal species observed include gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, shrews, field mice, river otters, red fox, little brown bats, and whitetail deer. Marsh-dwelling fish include carp, bullhead, chain pickerel, shad, striped bass, and shiners. Reptiles such as snapping turtles and northern water snakes, and amphibians such as frogs, are also common. Plant Species
To date, more than 360 species of plants have been recorded in Dyke Marsh. The dominant species in the marsh itself is the narrow-leaved cattail, which typically develops its characteristic flower spike by June. Other species associated with the tidal marsh include: arrowhead, arrow arum, pickerelweed, sweetflag, spatter dock, and northern wild rice. A result of human disturbance in the marsh has been the introduction of several exotic, or non-native, plant species. Exotic species are very opportunistic, growing in disturbed areas and oftentimes outcompeting beneficial native species. Portions of the floodplain forest are being overgrown with several exotic vines: porcelainberry, Japanese honeysuckle, and Asian bittersweet. In the marsh, yellow iris, common reed and purple loosestrife are slowly encroaching on the native species.
| ||||||||||||||
|
Home
Friends of Dyke Marsh, Inc. is a non-profit §501(c)(3)
organization.
|
