Crosswinds Marsh Meanderings 2018 Series
For the 4th year in a row we continue 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 11 the Parks system put on a Hobby day and invited the Crosswinds Cache Crew to participate again. As part of the day's activities a Geocaching event was held which included the launch of 12 Geocaches dedicated to the 12 invasive species located in the reserve. 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.
Invasive Species
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Many non-native species, including fruits, vegetables, field crops, livestock and domestic animals, are important to our economy and lifestyle. Most non-native species are not harmful and may provide economic benefits. Invasive species cause harm when they out-compete native species by reproducing and spreading rapidly in areas where they have no natural predators and change the balance of the ecosystems we rely on. An invasive species can be any kind of living organism—an amphibian, plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism's seeds or eggs—that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm.
Zebra Mussel
Zebra mussels are about the size of a fingernail, yet they have had devastating impacts on our Great Lakes. These mussels, native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia, were unintentionally brought to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of ships. They were first found here in 1988. Zebra mussels filter out sediments and contaminants in the water to the point that the water is so clear, more vegetation grows at deeper depths. This has the potential to affect the aquatic food chain. In addition, the contaminants build up in the bodies of the zebra mussels, which are then consumed by animals and humans. Zebra mussels have outcompeted and/or killed (i.e., by attaching to them in large numbers) many native species of mussels, which are now suffering population declines. It is difficult to control a species in which a single female can produce 100,000 to 500,000 eggs per year! It is even more challenging when the zebra mussels attach to the bottoms of boats, canoes, and kayaks that are transported from one waterway to another. This is why we do not allow personal watercraft at Crosswinds Marsh. We do not currently have zebra mussels here and we are trying to keep it that way!
This invasive species description was provided by Jennifer Panek, Crosswinds Marsh Naturalist.
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.
The Crosswinds Cache Crew pledge to develop and maintain quality and interesting geocaches in the Marsh consistent with Geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules and permit process. For more information on the Cache Crew and our endeavors, please visit us on the web at http://www.crosswindscaching.com and on social media.
This cache has been placed with the permissions of Wayne County Parks. Permit MM18-12 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.