There’s this river from Alexandria, Virginia, that has 485 acres of marsh and forest swamp forest known as Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. If you’re looking for a natural splendor near the concrete jungle, then you better check this one out. It is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway managed by the National Park Service. The preserve viewed as a national treasure has an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including more than 270 species of birds and 300 species of plants. Fun fact. Did you know that the southern and northern marshes have existed for a combined 2,700 years? The mind is blown, right?
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve Restoration Project
Construction of an almost 1500-foot breakwater was completed last 2018. Its main purpose is to protect the marsh from water erosion and give support to the gradual gathering of sediments. It also acts as a natural filter to clean the Potomac River and as an estuary that will absorb the extra water in times of rising coastal waters.
What to wear at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve?
We advised that you dressed properly. There are a lot of dirt tracks instead of concrete paths. Sturdy, covered footwear is important for navigating routes that may be littered with rocks. Long pants or tops with long-sleeves would also help visitors avoid getting bitten by insects or scratched by protruding branches.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve Activities
Did you know that Mount Vernon Trail goes through the marsh via the Haul Road Trail? So, expect to meet runners, walkers, and bikers on the wide, flat, and wheelchair-accessible pathway. Foot traffic here means you’ll be gifted with the occasional scenic views of the marina and the Potomac River. There are lots of wildflowers and butterflies along the way. It’s also a good trail for families with small children. There are two viewing areas courtesy of a wooden boardwalk—one just before a sharp left-hand turn, and the other at the end of the peninsula. Both are fine spots for wildlife observation. Expect to see lots of wildlife here. You’ll be hardly 100 yards from where you start and there’ll be ospreys flying over the treetops.
Do you want to rent a boat? This allows you a better and closer view of the river and the wildlife. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are the primary activities at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. There’s a marina near the marsh wherein you can easily paddle to the preserve.
There’s also a variety of public events for all you nature lovers like bird walks which lectures about the types of birds in the marsh. There are over 270 bird species, including some all-time favorites—the bald eagle. Among the most present are the red-winged blackbird, Carolina wren, and several species of duck.
What makes Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preservation different from other parks?
Well, parks are man-made environments that support a smaller diversity of species, as compared to nature reserves, which are original native environments that are biologically diverse.
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CRCS Camp Crusader | Summer Camp
6811 Beulah St
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 270-0681
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