Activities and Volunteer Events
Parking Alert
The U.S. Park Police are ticketing vehicles parked on either side of the Marina Road. While the signage may be confusing, an officer on May 6, 2023, told us that except for the two marked handicapped parking spots near the Mount Vernon Trail, only vehicles with attached trailers can park on the sides of the Marina Road.
Birding Led by Experts
FODM hosts birding led by experts every Sunday at 8 a.m. Meet in the Belle Haven Park south parking lot. We will cancel if weather conditions are unsafe, such as lightning, ice or heavy rain or snow. Because of the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, we will not have Sunday walks on December 20 and 27, 2026, and January 3, 2027.
Help Tackle Invasive Plants
Help protect native plants by pulling and clipping invasive plants. We will train volunteers to identify the five or so target plants. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants.
Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. We will supply instructions, examples and trash bags. Wear long sleeves and pants and sun protection. We will have some tools to share. We will cancel if lightning or severe storms are anticipated.
Meet at the Haul Road trail entrance bench. If it is raining one hour before a scheduled session, we will cancel it.
Learn How to Manage Invasive Plants
National Park Service staff will conduct a two-part training for volunteers on how to manage invasive plants: May 13, 6 to 9 p.m. via Zoom and May 16, in the field. Those who complete both parts can become NPS “weed warriors.” For those who complete the May 13 training, NPS will provide the location for the May 16 training. Register at https://secure.everyaction.com/dMHc41zcN0aFtI32Tl6iYw2
Date(s):
September 19, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
October 3, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
October 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
October 31, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
November 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
November 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Help Survey Butterflies and Dragonflies
Please join our volunteer team once a month, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and help count butterflies and dragonflies in Dyke Marsh on these dates: July 22, August 19, September 23 and October 21. Surveyors do not need experience or specialized knowledge.
Meet in the south Belle Haven Park parking lot. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, sun and insect protection and a snack. Binoculars, camera phone or a camera are helpful.
To help, contact, Laura McDonald at laura.e.mcdonald@icloud.com or 703-909-8232.
Freshwater Fish, October 21
At FODM’s free, online member meeting on October 21 at 7p.m., Mike Pinder will explore Virginia’s diversity of freshwater fishes, major family groups, distribution, habitats and the unique behaviors of certain species. He will also help participants learn how to see and identify this often unnoticed and underappreciated group of Virginia’s wildlife. Pinder is the Aquatic Biologist for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Register for this Zoom presentation here or follow this QR code:
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Fall Colors Walk, October 26
Join us on October 26, 1 p.m., for our fall colors walk, led by Margaret Chatham and Alan Ford with the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Dyke Marsh will be ablaze in color. Rain date: October 30, 1 p.m. This walk is limited to 25 people so everyone can hear and learn.
Date(s):
Haul Road Trail directions and parking:
GPS coordinates: 38.777739, -77.050540 South of Alexandria off the GW Memorial Parkway at the sign for Dyke Marsh Nature Preserve and Belle Haven Marina, turn east onto the road toward the Potomac River. Take the first left and park in the Belle Haven Park lot. Walk back to the marina road and turn east, toward the river. Walk 30 yards. On your right is a Dyke Marsh sign and the entrance to the Haul Road trail.
