for water birds. In 2014 a beetle species, Pterostichus sculptus, new to Virginia was discovered at Dyke Marsh. Plants More than 360 species of plants have been found at Dyke Marsh. The narrow-leafed cattail is the dominant species in the area. It normally develops its characteristic flower spike by June. Many other species of plant occupy the marsh including several types of Sagittaria, arrow arum, pickerelweed, sweetflag, spatter-pond lily, and northern wild rice. The rice attracts animals such as the red-winged blackbird and waterfowl. Changes Dyke Marsh is much different than it used to be. It is estimated that the marsh once consisted of . In the 1950s and 1960s, dredging took place, which reduced it to its current size and configuration. Shoreline erosion is noticeable along the Haul Road, showing that the dredging is still making an impact. Human influences have also led to the introduction of several types of exotic, or non-native, plants to the marsh. These plants are very opportunistic and often outcompete beneficial native species of plants. Exotic vines, such as the Asian porcelain berry, Japanese honeysuckle, and Asiatic bittersweet have begun smothering parts of the floodplain forest. Yellow iris and the common reed are exotic plants that now inhabit the actual marsh. Efforts are being made to prevent the introduction of the purple loosestrife. Uses Dyke Marsh is just east of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail. Thousands of bicyclists, walkers, and runners go through Dyke Marsh on a weekly basis on the Mount Vernon Trail. Just off of the trail, there is a sitting area on a boardwalk over the marsh. The interior path is J-shaped and goes south from the marina entrance and then turns east onto a peninsula. Birdwatchers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts often visit the sitting area in an effort to catch a glimpse of what Dyke Marsh has to offer. Visitors also come at night to watch the fireflies in the marsh and trees. References External links Friends of Dyke Marsh Dyke Marsh Preserve - National Park Service Jackson Miles Abbott Papers, 1929, 1960–1985, and undated which features detailed information on the founding of Dyke Marsh from the Smithsonian Institution Archives Protected areas of Alexandria, Virginia Protected areas of Fairfax County, Virginia Marshes of Virginia Potomac River watershed George Washington Memorial Parkway Landforms of Fairfax County, Virginia