THREE IMPORTANT DYKE MARSH MEETINGS
(Visit www.fodm.org)


The Friends of Dyke Marsh invite you to attend three meetings this spring that are important to the health of the Potomac River, wetlands and our area.

April 10 -- Will Be Rescheduled - Restoration of Dyke Marsh

6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Indigo Landing Restaurant, Daingerfield Island (just south of National Airport on the George Washington Memorial Parkway)

The U. S. National Park Service is beginning the process of restoring Dyke Marsh, an important tidal freshwater wetland on the Potomac River in Mount Vernon that was preserved by the U. S. Congress in 1959. Almost half of the marsh was destroyed by dredging and the dumping of construction and other debris. At this meeting, NPS officials will present needs, goals and other information and receive comments.

May 14 – What Is Dyke Marsh? Why Should We Restore It?

7:30 p.m., Huntley Meadows Park Visitors’ Center, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22306

Almost half of Dyke Marsh was destroyed by dredging and the dumping of construction and other debris. It is being invaded by non-native invasive plants, animals and insects.

The National Park Service has determined that the restoration of Dyke Marsh is both “feasible and desirable” and they have started the process to prepare options for restoration. A team of university scientists compiled available knowledge about this nationally important wetland – plants, animals, invasives, hydrology, geology, history and other aspects.

Dr. Katia Engelhardt from the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, Maryland, is the lead scientist in compiling and analyzing what is known about the natural resources of Dyke Marsh. She will summarize this information and explain why Dyke Marsh should be restored and what some of the options might be.