Mason Neck is a peninsula extending into the Potomac River in southeastern Fairfax County, Virginia, just 20 miles south of Washington D.C. It is bounded by Pohick Bay and Gunston Cove to the north, the Potomac River to the east, and Belmont Bay and the Occoquan River to the south.

Mason Neck combines valuable natural, historical, and recreational resources in a serene setting that belies its proximity to a large metropolitan area. The area is famous as the location of both Gunston Hall (the plantation home of George Mason, drafter of the Virginia Bill of Rights, and now a National Historic Landmark) and Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, the first national wildlife refuge established specifically for the protection of the Bald Eagle. A communal roost of 60 eagles, as well as five eagles' nests, are located on Mason Neck. The existence of these eagles, so close in proximity to the nation's capitol, is continually threatened by urban development on the peninsula, in surrounding communities, and along the Potomac River. The protection of these magnificent creatures is one of the primary concerns of the Friends of Mason Neck.

Mason Neck is also the location of Pohick Bay Regional Park, which is operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority for active recreational pursuits, and Mason Neck State Park, which has an environmental education center and facilities for passive recreation. The archaeological site of the colonial port of Colchester is on the western edge of the peninsula.

The Friends of Mason Neck is a private, nonprofit organization that draws its membership from residents of Mason Neck, as well as other parts of the Washington metropolitan area. Despite a wide range of backgrounds, the members are united by their firm desire to further the protection and enhancement of the natural and historic resources of Mason Neck. Founded in 1983, Friends of Mason Neck is dedicated to:

• Monitoring developments and activities proposed for Mason Neck and contiguous land and water areas;


• Providing a source of labor and expertise in keeping with the function of an outdoor classroom;


• Acting as a communications link between the members, residents, government agencies and other interested parties;


• Serving as a forum for citizen input to resource management decisions affecting Mason Neck.

The group holds periodic meetings where invited guests may give presentations on a variety of subjects pertaining to Mason Neck. The members may also be involved in field trips, nature walks, and data collection activities. We invite you to join the Friends of Mason Neck and develop a greater appreciation for the natural and historic resources found there. Annual dues are $5.00 per individual, and entitles you to The Guardian, the official newsletter of the Friends of Mason Neck and ensures you are on distribution for community Action Alerts.

You can reach us by e-mail at: wesi@tidalwave.net

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