Much to See, Hear and Feel on Ecology Walk
Nature enthusiasts engaged all of their senses on the June 29, 2024, ecology walk led by Charles Smith along the Haul Road trail.
Virginia’s Amazing Vultures
Contrary to the image in many Americans’ minds, vultures are beautiful, social, curious birds, Heather Shank-Givens told a 70-person, overflow crowd on March 8, 2026, at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center.
FODM Volunteers Tested Water Quality
On April 8, 2026, FODM volunteers again conducted biological water quality sampling in an unnamed creek, nicknamed “Quander Creek,” that flows into Dyke Marsh from the west, the organization’s eleventh year of this project.
Restoring Dyke Marsh by Planting Native Plants
On April 18, 2026, 25 volunteers planted around 200 native plants in Dyke Marsh, a joint project of the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the Sierra Club Great Falls Group. The two organizations partnered and successfully received a grant from the national Sierra Club to fund the project.
Taking Action: Addressing the Potomac Sewage Spill
On March 2, 2026, the Washington, D.C., Department of Health lifted the recreational advisory for the Potomac River. The announcement said, “Consistent water quality testing shows bacterial levels are now within safe ranges for recreation.” For more information, visit doee.dc.gov. For DC Health’s health advisories, visit doh.dc.gov. For information on DC Water’s progress on the Potomac Interceptor repair, visit dcwater.com.
February 26, 2026
On January 19, 2026, a sewer line in Maryland, the Potomac interceptor, ruptured and sent up to 300,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. FODM joined 20 other organizations on February 9 on a letter to DC Water asking for answers and accountability.
Virginia Legislature Recognizes FODM’s 50th Anniversary
The Virginia General Assembly in its 2026 session approved two resolutions honoring the Friends of Dyke Marsh’s 50th anniversary. Senator Scott A. Surovell introduced SJ37 and Delegate Paul Krizek introduced HJ84, identical bills. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is in their districts.
Walk Highlights Plants at Summer’s Height
On August 19, 2025, Brent Steury with the National Park Service led a walk in Dyke Marsh for 17 adults and ten youngsters. Steury is the Natural Resources Program Manager for the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Buddhist Monks Walked through Dyke Marsh
On February 9, 2026, 19 Venerable Buddhist monks walked through the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve north on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
MLK Trash Cleanup Fills 40 Bags
Fifty-two enthusiastic volunteers came out on January 19, 2026, for the Martin Luther King Day of Service Trash Cleanup in Dyke Marsh and along the Potomac River shoreline.
FODM Meeting Highlights Beavers
On October 22, 2025, Alison Zak urged her Zoom audience of 77 to “reframe their thinking that beavers are pests.” She explained that beavers (Castor canadensis) improve water quality, restore freshwater systems, protect wetlands, enhance groundwater recharge and increase biodiversity.
Saving Dyke Marsh: New Wayside Explains Project
On August 29, 2025, NPS staffers installed a new wayside on the boardwalk explaining the stone breakwater and sills in the south marsh visible from the boardwalk.
Dyke Marsh Glistens in the Snowy Winter of 2026
January’s snow, sleet, ice and many sub-freezing days left Dyke Marsh with packed snow and ice and a white glaze, sparkly in the sunshine.
