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.
CMM12 – Sassafras
Sassafras trees are not as well known by most Michiganders as maple and oak trees, but they should be. Did you know that one sassafras tree will have three different leaf types? These include a wide oval shape with no lobes (i.e., projections), a leaf resembling the lower peninsula of Michigan, and a three-lobed leaf. The leaves are eaten by small mammals, the stems are eaten by deer and beaver, nectar from the flowers is consumed by moths and butterflies, and the fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals. Humans use sassafras for firewood and also extract oil in the sap to use in perfumed soaps. The oil was historically used in the making of commercial root beer, but has since been found to be carcinogenic in large quantities and is no longer used commercially.
The cache:
The cache is a large size lock & lock hidden along the Mallard. Be sure to practice CITO when seeing the caches in the series. Note: There are no bathrooms or drinking water along the Mallard.
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.