Please join the Crosswinds Cache Crew for Wayne County Park's Hobby Day, and our "Sort of Eighth" Annual Crosswinds Marsh Meanderings on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Also, celebrate "Sort of 20 Years of Geocaching" at this Celebration Event!! Along with International Geocaching Day, earn a new souvenir, and let's come together to try to BREAK A WORLD RECORD!!!
Hobby Day:
- 9:00-1:00 Enjoy the Hobby Day and be sure to stop by the geocaching booth to say "HI".
"Hobby Day is all about trying something new! Whether you are a diehard hobby enthusiast or someone who just wants to try something new, this program is for you! Experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you get started on a new hobby. Activities include hiking, photography, horseshoes, fishing, and more. Fishing poles and bait are provided for the fishing portion."
The Celebration Geocaching Event:
It will run from 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM. It will include15 new "lock & lock" style caches, including a new series of caches with a "commemorative collectible" for those that complete the "Who Dun-it" series of twelve caches, along with a mystery, multi, and letterbox! There will be a closest to the pin, FTF raffle, trackable table, prize table (donations welcome), and a potluck picnic lunch. (Please bring a dish to pass, if you chose -- hot dogs, chips, and water provided by your hosts).
This Event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events to celebrate 20 years of geocaching. Geocachers hosted events between May 2, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.
Celebration Geocaching Event Schedule:
- 1:30 Event check-in coordinates sheets, and GPX file provided to event attendee
- 2:00 Meet and Greet
- 2:30 Closest to the Pin (Two prizes - one for GPS and one for smartphone)
- 2:45 FTF/Prize Table Raffle along with closest to the pin winners announced
- 3:00 Lunch and hit the trails
- 4:30 Cleanup and event ends
Crosswinds Marsh:
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 Detroit Metro Airport (the McNamara terminal). Wayne County, together with Sumpter Township, purchased over 900 acres of farmland that believe it or not, was once wetland that had been converted into farm fields by draining the land...in a process that took over a year. They flooded former farm fields, planted new wetland plants, and transplanted endangered species from Metro Airport.
There have been over 240 species of birds identified at the marsh. Additionally, there are nesting bald eagles visible thru-out the year. Boardwalks were built to give the visitors an intimate view of life in the wetlands. The marsh offers year-round activities including trails for hiking (over 6 miles), horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and areas for picnicking and fishing. Admission to Crosswinds Marsh is free!
Remember, this is a marsh....If you are intending to hunt for the caches or explore the trails, please come prepared with boots/old shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), long pants, and insect repellent. This time of year in the woods of South Eastern Michigan there is poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes plenty!
What to bring:
- GPS and gear bag
- Chairs (A minimal number of picnic tables are available)
- Potluck dish to pass, if you chose
- Bottled Water/Beverages to stay hydrated
- Trackables
- Contributions to the prize table, if you chose
- Insect repellent is strongly recommended
FAQ:
- Q: Will there be a GPX file available for the new caches?
- A: Yup. A GPX file of the new caches will be available, and we will be loading GPS units, a QR code will be available as well as an email if desired. Just a note, the cellular signal is spotty at Crosswinds. While we will be willing to help people who have trouble the best we can with no guarantees, please remember that the file is offered as a convenience. (From our experience, the classic Geocaching App does not support the importing of files.)
- Q: Are there restrooms?
- A: Yup sort of. Two Port-a-Potties are nearby.
- Q: Can I bring a dog?
- A: Yup. Dogs are welcome just keep them on a leash and be sure to clean up after them.
- Q: Does the Crosswinds Cache Crew take monetary donations?
- A: Nope. You can bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch or prizes for the prize table if you would like.
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 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 pledges to develop and maintain quality, interesting geocaches in the marsh consistent with geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules permit process.
