Crosswinds Marsh Meanderings 2016 Series
This series continues the geocaching community’s recognition of Wayne County’s efforts in providing replacement wildlife wetlands habitat removed by the Detroit Metro Airport expansion. Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve is one of the largest man-made wetlands in the country. It was built to replace the wetlands that were paved over to expand Wayne County's (the McNamara terminal). Wayne County, The area is managed by the Wayne County Parks.
On August 13 the Parks system put on a Hobby day and invited some members of MIGO to participate. As part of the day's activities a Geocaching event was held which included the launch of 12 Geocaches dedicated to the various plant species associated with the wildlife area. This cache is one of them.
A link to all 12 of the caches may be FOUND HERE. In the cover of the cache you will find a three digit code. Record this code for entering into a online form for registration for a commemorative collectible for those that complete the series. The link to the form is found HERE.
CMM09 – Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle flowers have a smell that the human nose can often not resist. The sweet smell is further complemented by beautiful flower colors and later, berries that also come in a variety of colors. We are not the only ones attracted to honeysuckle shrubs; the flowers attract birds, butterflies, bees, and many other insects who consume the nectar. There are 52 species of honeysuckle in the United States, but many of them have been imported from Europe or Asia. Of the 18 species in Michigan, only eight are native. Native plants, shrubs and trees are important because they are adapted to local conditions – no matter how extreme, they provide food for native wildlife, and they do not outcompete with other native species as non-native plants do.
The cache:
The cache is a large size lock & lock hidden along the Blue Heron trail. Be sure to practice CITO when seeing the caches in the series. Note: There are no bathrooms or drinking water along the Blue Heron trail.
Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting of plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42 05.744 W 83 26.552
All Geocachers must follow the above rules.
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is free.