Crosswinds Marsh: A to Z

(Zabulon Skipper Butterfly)

Zabulon Skipper butterflies (Poanes zabulon) are small and widespread butterflies native to North America. They are named after Zabulon Pike, an American explorer, and are recognized for their distinctive orange-brown wings with dark markings. Zabulon Skippers are commonly found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, prairies, and roadsides, where they nectar on a range of flowering plants such as milkweed, goldenrod, and asters. They are particularly abundant in areas with tall grasses and abundant wildflowers, where they can find suitable nectar sources and host plants for their larvae.

Zabulon Skipper butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay their eggs singly on the leaves of grasses, such as various species of grasses including bluestem and fescue. Once hatched, the caterpillars feed on the grass leaves, growing rapidly and undergoing several molts before pupating. The pupa, or chrysalis, is typically attached to a grass stem or leaf, where it undergoes metamorphosis before emerging as an adult butterfly. Zabulon Skipper butterflies play important roles as pollinators and are integral components of grassland 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 small lock and lock style container hidden along the Wetland Garden 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.