Crosswinds Marsh: A to Z

(Painted Turtle)

The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is a colorful freshwater turtle species native to North America, recognized for its distinctive red and yellow markings on its shell and skin. These turtles inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams with abundant vegetation. They prefer areas with shallow, warm waters and ample basking sites such as logs or rocks. Painted Turtles are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, algae, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Painted Turtles exhibit a fascinating reproductive strategy. During the spring and early summer months, females leave their aquatic habitats to find suitable nesting sites on land. They dig shallow nests in sandy or gravelly soil, where they lay clutches of eggs ranging from four to twenty eggs, depending on the female's size and age. After laying the eggs, the females cover them with soil and return to their aquatic habitat, leaving the eggs to incubate naturally. After an incubation period of around two to three months, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water, where they begin their lives as aquatic turtles. This lifecycle highlights the importance of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats for the survival of Painted Turtles and underscores their role as indicators of ecosystem health in freshwater environments.

The Cache: This cache is one of twenty-six that were placed for the 2024 Naturefest. The series focuses on the flora, fauna, creatures, and insects that can be found in Croswinds Marsh. This cache is a small lock and lock style container hidden along the Woodpecker Loop trail

It has been placed with the permission of Wayne County Parks. A permit has been submitted and is on file at the park office.

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.

The Crosswinds Cache Crew pledge to develop and maintain quality and interesting geocaches in the Marsh consistent with Geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules and permit process.