VA HJR84

Friends of Dyke Marsh is commended on its 50th anniversary in 2026 for supporting the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, a 480-acre freshwater tidal wetland on the Potomac River in Fairfax County

The organization, incorporated in 1976, partners with the U.S. National Park Service to advocate for the marsh, secure funding, sponsor scientific studies, conduct educational programs, organize nature walks, trash cleanups, and invasive plant control

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve hosts over 300 plant species, 294 bird species, 38 fish species, and numerous other wildlife; nearly half of its original 650 acres were destroyed by commercial dredging

U.S. Geological Survey determined the marsh could be completely gone by 2035 without intervention, prompting restoration efforts including a breakwater constructed in 2020 and rock sills built in 2022

The Clerk of the House of Delegates is directed to prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Friends of Dyke Marsh