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.
CMM08 - Midge Flies
Have you ever walked through a swarm of tiny insects that don't sting or bite in early spring and wondered what they were? There's a good chance they were midge flies and the worst damage they will do to you is accidentally fly into your mouth or eye. They may seem like a nuisance, but they are a very important food source to fish, amphibians, larger insects, bats, and numerous bird species. In addition, they are essential in the pollination of cocoa trees. That's right, you can thank a midge fly next time you enjoy a candy bar or hot cocoa. The cocoa flowers smell a bit like fungus, which is another food source for these insects. We don't have cocoa trees growing in Michigan or even the U.S. for that matter, but you can attract our midge flies with native plants such as black-eyed susan, mountain mint, and golden alexanders.
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 2021-08 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.