In almost all instances, Crosswinds Marsh has been allowed to revert to its natural state and develop on its own. However, occasionally some "help" has been given to ensure that any human interference his minimized. An example of this help is the nearby sediment trap. Sediment traps are temporary or permanent sediment control structures that reduce water velocity and allow soil particles to settle. The remaining water is filtered through organic type structures, such as straw bales, before entering a storm water system or natural watercourse.
When the marsh was built to replace the wetlands that were paved over to expand Wayne County's Detroit Metro Airport (the McNamara terminal), the Clark Morey & Lord's Drains, were combined and slightly diverted. To ensure that sediment from these drains did not fill the marsh, a sediment trap was constructed.
Sediment traps can have both benefits and drawbacks to fish and other aquatic life.
Benefits:
• Fish may benefit from deep pools creating refuge
• Downstream habitat may be improved as a result of smaller quantities of fine sediment accumulations below the sediment trap.
Drawbacks:
• Downstream habitat may be degraded and lose complexity if course sediments (gravel, wood) are trapped.
• In seasonal watercourses fish may become stranded in the sediment trap rather than moving downstream as flows decrease.
• Large or regularly maintained sediment traps may not be shaded well enough to keep water temperatures low enough to support aquatic life.
Here at Crosswinds, the naturalists carefully monitor the sediment trap to ensure that any drawbacks are minimized.
The Cache is a large sized lock & lock hidden along the Bald Eagle Trail in the typical fashion. As always, please use stealth and return the cache to it's original location.
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
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is free.