Information Panel: Stabilizing the Marsh

Information Panel: Stabilizing the Marsh

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Quick Facts

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Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board

Information Panel: Stabilizing the Marsh 

Dyke Marsh is a tidal wetland home to many plants and animals that are specially adapted to live here on the boundary between land and water. This special place is threatened by human-caused erosion.

From 1940 to 1972, sand and gravel dredging in the Potomac River caused natural promontories to erode and disappear. Without these natural barriers, Dyke Marsh began to slowly wash away. In 2010, scientists found the marsh was in danger of disappearing completely. 

To protect the marsh from further erosion, the National Park Service built several structures. A breakwater built in 2020 and rock sills placed in 2022 block waves and storm surges from eroding the marsh. The structures also encourage new sediment to build up, helping to preserve the marsh.   

You can help care for Dyke Marsh. Remember to stay on the trail, pack out your trash, and respect wildlife. 

Image 1: Dredging in the 20th century removed a natural promontory. The new breakwater and rock sills replace the promontory’s function and help protect the land, stem erosion and buffer storm energy. 

Wayside exhibit donated by the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association 

Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk