Field Trips – Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve – Rescheduled

RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER
New Date: Sunday, March 10, 2024
NewTime: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

NVPS March 2024 Field Trip
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
 
Given the rainy forecast for this Saturday, our field trip is being rescheduled to this Sunday at 8:00 a.m.  There is no rain in the forecast for Sunday but it will be cold at arrival time, so please dress accordingly

*The meeting time for Sunday will be 8:00 a.m. since we will be turning our clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.*

We’ll meet at the entrance to the Dyke Marsh Trail.   

Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

George Washington Memorial Parkway (south of Old Town)

Alexandria, Virginia

Parking lot coordinates: 38.7781188, -77.0512829

Please join us!

Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2023-2024

As spring approaches it’s time for our annual wildlife photography outing, this year at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria, Virginia! The Dyke Marsh trail, which begins at Belle Haven Park, is an out-and-back trail through woodland with water on one or both sides and views of the Potomac River and sailboats moored at the adjacent Belle Haven Marina.  There is an eagles’ nest and bald eagles can often be seen flying between it and various trees or snags along the trail.  Waterfowl and songbirds are often seen, and foxes and barred owls have been seen there on occasion.  For those who want to get there early, sunrise can be seen and is often reflected in the water along both of the small sandy beaches on the left/east side of the trail. Parking is very close to the start of the trail and there are benches along the trail, making it an easy and enjoyable outing.

Where:

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

George Washington Memorial Parkway (south of Old Town)

Alexandria, Virginia

Parking lot coordinates: 38.7781188, -77.0512829

When:

Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 

Rain date: Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Note: We will turn clocks ahead one hour that morning)

 Equipment:

• For wildlife, a telephoto lens: the more reach the better
• If you want to make early morning landscape images, bring a standard or wide angle lens 
• Tripods or monopods are helpful and permitted but not necessary
• Hiking boots or walking shoes are advised: the trail is not paved

Notes:

We will meet at the start of the Dyke Marsh trail at 7:00 a.m. and start walking the trail together.  If you arrive late you are bound to run into NVPS members since there is only one place to enter and exit the trail. Sunrise on March 9 will be at 6:29 a.m.  If you want to go in earlier than 7:00 a.m. to catch the beautiful morning light we will see you on the trail.

*Park in the parking lot (first left turn – and only turn – after you enter from the GW Parkway) and not on the road leading to the marina, which is for marina users only.  Park police officers are starting to enforce this parking rule.* 

If after completing the Dyke Marsh Trail you want to do more exploring, drive your car to the north end of the parking lot and explore the tidal marsh area there, where waterfowl can often be seen.  Be mindful of runners and cyclists since that path is part of the Mount Vernon trail and often gets heavy use.

Restrooms are located between the parking lot and the Mount Vernon trail as well as at the Belle Haven Marina. 

We hope you can join us!
 
Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2023-2024