Crosswinds Marsh Nature fest 2021 Series
Nature Fest is a nature-oriented event that featured live entertainment, nature crafts, and games, face painting, and free canoeing. This cache is one of a series of 12 geocaches, launched the day after Nature Fest, with each one featuring a pollinator that might be found in Crosswinds Marsh Nature Preserve.
CMM11 - Blue Mud Wasp
While most people cringe when they see or think of wasps, they do have an important role in the environment. Adult wasps can either drink flower nectar or eat spiders and insects such as flies, ants, and caterpillars. Wasp larvae (i.e., the young) need protein so they eat insects and spiders or pollen from flowers. Whether the wasp is collecting nectar or pollen, their visits to flowers add them to the list of pollinating insects. Wasps are also food for many birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and other insects. The blue mud wasp is found from southern Canada to northern Mexico; however, it's most commonly found in Michigan. It's a beautiful blue wasp that specializes in capturing spiders, including black widow spiders. The wasp stings the spider then gives it to its larvae to eat. Adult blue mud wasps consume nectar from golden alexanders and likely other native plants. Always be careful when it comes to bees, wasps, and other stinging insects, but remember that as long it does not feel threatened or provoked, most will not sting us.
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 permission of Wayne County Parks. Permit 2021-12 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.