You probably know that Dyke Marsh is one of the best places on the Mount Vernon Trail. The Friends of Dyke Marsh have several upcoming events happening right near the trail. In addition to great educational events, they conduct ongoing habitat restoration and invasive species removal. Keep up with their full calendar of events at fodm.org.
April 20, Raptor Rapture, The Friends of Dyke Marsh, Secret Gardens Birds and Bees, the National Park Service and the Monarch Teachers Network will “host” live raptors, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Belle Haven Park. You can see big birds up close. Free
May 15, Sea Level Rise and its Local Impacts (including Dyke Marsh). Speaker: Geoffrey Sanders, Biologist/Data Manager, National Park Service, National Capital Region Network Inventory and Monitoring Program, 7:30 p.m. at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center preceded at 7 p.m. by an informal social.
June 9, Ecology Walk, Join FODMers on June 9, 10 a.m. for an ecology walk led by naturalist Charles Smith. We’ll learn about tidal marsh ecology, vegetative communities, system stressors, seasonality of vegetation and wildlife and ecosystems’ importance. Meet at the Haul Road entrance at 10 a.m. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. We request that you not bring pets.
For outdoor events, if we have severe weather, check our website and Facebook page for a status report.
Help Restore Habitat, Plant Natives
FODM needs volunteers to help us restore degraded habitat and support wildlife by planting native plants in Dyke Marsh on May 6 (rain date, May 13) 1 to 4:30 p.m. This will supplement the native plants we put in last year. Meet at the Haul Road trail native plant site, about 1/3 mile from the entrance. Wear gloves, long pants and sun protection and bring water. This event will take place unless we have severe rain and lightning that day. Please sign up at info@fodm.org.
Help Control Invasive Plants
FODM needs several volunteers to help control invasive or non-native plants in our native plant restoration area off and on. We can provide training to help you identify several species of known invasives. If you can help for an hour or two off and on, email Glenda Booth at gbooth123@aol.com.