FRIENDS OF DYKE MARSH

On 2026-07-13, Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "FRIENDS OF DYKE MARSH" in the House.

FRIENDS OF DYKE MARSH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E668] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] FRIENDS OF DYKE MARSH ______ HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. of virginia in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Friends of Dyke Marsh. Since 1976, Friends of Dyke Marsh have partnered with the National Park Service to preserve, restore, and stabilize the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, a 480-acre freshwater tidal wetland on the Potomac River in Fairfax County and one of the last freshwater tidal marshes in the Washington, D.C., area. Congress wisely designated Dyke Marsh as ``irreplaceable'' in 1959, and it certainly remains so for the 300 species of plants, thousands of arthropods, 38 species of fish, 25 reptiles, 22 amphibians, and nearly 300 species of birds that call it home. The people, wildlife, and ecosystems of Virginia are indebted to the engaged and concerned residents who, since the 1970s, have protected that irreplaceable landscape. Those residents founded Friends of Dyke Marsh to preserve the area and advocate for its survival. As marsh habitat dwindles elsewhere along the Potomac River, Friends of Dyke Marsh have worked to protect the area from the erosion, invasive species, pollution, and climate impacts that threaten so many temperate wetlands. Today, the group's work includes scientific studies, biological surveys, educational programs, stewardship activities, nature walks, trash cleanups, invasive plant control work, and comprehensive restoration planning. As the United States Geological Survey warns that Dyke Marsh could be gone entirely by 2035 due to erosion, that work is more important than ever. In my time in Congress, I have been proud to partner with the Friends of Dyke Marsh to champion efforts to support and secure funding to protect Dyke Marsh and ensure it thrives. Today, I am proud to honor Friends of Dyke Marsh on the occasion of the organization's 50th anniversary, thank all those who have been part of it over those five decades, and express gratitude for the community's enthusiasm and devotion to our irreplaceable natural places. ____________________