PL03 - Purple Loosetrife: The Control Traditional Cache

NOTICE: This geocache will be archived and removed in early October 2020 to make room for some new geocaches to be published soon.

This cache was launched at the 2019 Purple Loosestrife Removal event (GC865GR). It is one of the four geocaches that were placed for that event. The Crosswinds Cache Crew collaborated with the Wayne County Park System, the River Raisin Institute, and the Stewardship Network to work towards removing this invasive plant and raise awareness of the harm that it does to the marsh.

PL03 - Purple Loosestrife: The Control

Controlling the spread of purple loosestrife is crucial to protecting vital fish, wildlife and native plant habitat! Purple loosestrife can easily spread if improper control methods are used. Some of the most effective means of removal are:

• Digging & Hand Pulling: Pulling purple loosestrife by hand is easiest when plants are young (up to two years) or when in sand. Older plants have larger roots that can be eased out with a garden fork. Remove as much of the root system as possible, because broken roots may sprout new plants.
• Cutting: Removing flowering spikes will prevent this year’s seeds from producing more plants in future years-- remember each mature plant can produce over 2 million seeds per year. Also, remove last year’s dry seed heads, as they may still contain seeds. Finally, cut the stems at the ground to inhibit growth.
• Biological Control: In areas of severe purple loosestrife infestation, manual and chemical control efforts are ineffective and may in fact contribute to the problem. However, the use of specially selected insects that feed on purple loosestrife seemingly are fairly effective for long-term control in these higher density areas.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• The best time to control purple loosestrife is in late June, July and early August, when it is in flower. Plants are easily recognized, and it has not yet gone to seed. Once flower petals start to drop from the bottom of the spike, the plant begins to produce seed.
• Proper disposal of plant material is important. Put all plant pieces in plastic bags (vegetation rots quickly in plastic) and take the bags to a sanitary landfill site. Composting is not advised, as purple loosestrife seeds may not be destroyed and the thick, woody stem and roots take a long time to decompose.
• Be aware that your clothes and equipment may transport the small seeds to new areas. Thoroughly brush off your clothes and equipment before leaving the site.

The cache:
The cache is a regular sized lock & locak hidden along the northern Horse Trail. Please be sure to rehide it well.

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.

This cache has been placed with the permissions of Wayne County Parks. Permit MVC19-08 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.