Article Review, “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure” by Glenda C. Booth, President, Friends of Dyke Marsh

Photo by Ned Stone, A Dyke Marsh inlet.

Article: “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure”, published in the July 14, 2025, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance News:  https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/news/dyke-marsh-a-fragile-treasure

Glenda Booth’s article presents a thorough overview of Dyke Marsh’s ecological importance, biodiversity, history of degradation, and current restoration efforts.

Dyke Marsh, part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and overseen by the NPS, is one of the largest tidal freshwater marshes remaining in the Washington, D.C. area—some parts are over 2,200 years old. It is a vital habitat supporting over 230 bird species and a rich variety of plants and wildlife. This area delivers vital ecological services such as flood mitigation, water purification, and biodiversity support.

Once damaged by decades of dredging, it has faced severe erosion, invasive species, and pollution. Restoration efforts, including a breakwater and shoreline stabilization, aim to reverse the damage. The Friends of Dyke Marsh (FODM) actively support conservation through invasive species removal, wildlife monitoring, and public education. Despite its fragility, Dyke Marsh remains a valuable natural refuge for both wildlife and visitors.

Dyke Marsh stands as a rare and vital natural habitat in the D.C. region—rich in biodiversity and ecological function, yet under serious threat from past dredging, ongoing erosion, invasive species, and human disturbance. Thanks to significant funding, restoration actions, and volunteer efforts by FODM, there is hope for its recovery and continued benefit for wildlife and people.