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.
CMM10 – Common Milkweed
Everybody knows that milkweed plants are the only plants that monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on. The question is, do you know why? If you’ve ever torn apart milkweed leaves or peeled off part of the stem, you noticed a milky sap oozing out. This sap contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to mammals, including humans. If ingested, the cardiac glycosides can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Common milkweed is a very important food source for numerous species of bees, flies, beetles, moths and butterflies. Many insects consume the flower nectar, while others, such as the monarch butterfly larva (i.e., caterpillar) munch on the leaves. As a result, they are toxic to birds or mammals that would otherwise eat them. The bright coloration of the insects are attributed to the toxic substances in the milkweed plant and warn predators to keep away.
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.