Crosswinds Marsh: A to Z

(Xylocopa Virginica)

Xylocopa virginica, commonly known as the Eastern Carpenter Bee, is a large and solitary bee species native to eastern North America. These bees are recognizable by their shiny black bodies and remarkable size, with females reaching lengths of up to one inch. Eastern Carpenter Bees typically inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and suburban areas, where they nest in dead wood such as tree branches, fence posts, and wooden structures. They play crucial roles as pollinators, particularly of flowering plants with deep, tubular blossoms.

In terms of their lifecycle, Eastern Carpenter Bees exhibit solitary nesting behavior, with each female constructing her own nest chamber within a piece of wood. Using her powerful mandibles, the female excavates tunnels into the wood, creating a series of cells where she lays her eggs. Each cell is provisioned with a mixture of pollen and nectar, on which the developing larva feeds. After hatching, the larva undergoes several molts before pupating and eventually emerging as an adult bee. The entire lifecycle from egg to adult can take several weeks to months, with adults emerging in late spring or early summer. Eastern Carpenter Bees are important pollinators of many flowering plants, contributing to the health and diversity of ecosystems across their range.

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 Crosswinds Marsh. This cache is a regular lock and lock style container hidden along the Mallard 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.