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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 into the marsh). In 1975, a group of local people decided to form a non-profit organization for the purpose of cooperating with the U.S. National Park Service in promoting the well-being of the marsh.

Since then the Friends have continued to work as an educational group, holding quarterly open meetings, publishing a newsletter known as The Marsh Wren, raising money to sponsor scientific studies of the marsh and conducting weekly nature walks. The Friends also play an activist role, opposing inappropriate activities that impinge on the health of the marsh as a wildlife habitat. Many volunteers compile and organize data 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, protect and restore the marsh and its flora and fauna by working in cooperation with the public, state and local governments and the U.S. National Park Service.
	To enjoy the marsh and all that it has to offer. We do this through: Conducting weekly nature walks. Monitoring and advocating for conservation. Offering educational programs. Working closely with the community to increase the public stewardship of the marsh. Conducting the Breeding Bird Survey of Dyke Marsh and the Belle Haven Picnic Area.

Our partners at the U.S. National Park Service for our ongoing working relationship.