CMI07 – Mute Swan
Many Crosswinds Marsh visitors enjoy watching the large white swans that inhabit our wetlands. These mute swans, however, are an invasive species and are extremely aggressive. They were intentionally introduced to North America in the mid-1800s as people wanted to decorate water gardens in their parks and estates. Individuals began to leave and establish new populations. Mute swans chase native trumpeter swans and common loons (both threatened species), as well as native ducks from their nest sites. Mute swans also uproot aquatic plants that are utilized by native species for food or cover. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, one single mute swan will consume 4-8 pounds of plants per day! These very large birds have even been known to chase after humans on boats and on shore. While state agencies work to manage populations of mute swans, the general public often protests, not realizing the harm this invasive species causes to the environment and native wildlife.
Remember, this is a marsh....If you are intending to hunt for the caches or explore the trails, please come prepared with boots/old shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), long pants, and insect repellent. This time of year in the woods of South Eastern Michigan there is poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes a plenty! While searching for this cache, YOU MAY ENCOUNTER WATER (it is a marsh after all.) Due to the changing seasons in Michigan, the D/T may vary at different times of the year.
You must physically sign the log to claim the find so, BRING YOUR OWN PEN.Failure to do so may result in the deletion of your log. We do check occasionally. The cache started with a pen and SWAG but, no guarantees that it will be there! If you take something.....leave something. Please trade fairly! Lastly, you may encounter water/mud while hunting this cache!
Crosswinds Marsh Meanderings 2018 Series
For the 4th year in a row we continue the geocaching community’s recognition of Wayne County’s efforts in providing replacement wildlife wetlands habitat removed by the Detroit Metro Airport expansion. Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve is one of the largest man-made wetlands in the country. It was built to replace the wetlands that were paved over to expand Wayne County's (the McNamara terminal). Wayne County, The area is managed by the Wayne County Parks.
On August 11 the Parks system put on a Hobby day and invited the Crosswinds Cache Crew to participate again. As part of the day's activities a Geocahing event was held which included the launch of 12 Geocaches dedicated to the 12 invasive species located in the reserve. This cache is one of them.
A link to all 12 of the caches may be FOUND HERE. In the cover of the cache you will find a three digit code. Record this code for entering into a online form for registration for a commemorative collectible for those that complete the series. The link to the form is found HERE.
Invasive Species
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Many non-native species, including fruits, vegetables, field crops, livestock and domestic animals, are important to our economy and lifestyle. Most non-native species are not harmful and may provide economic benefits. Invasive species cause harm when they out-compete native species by reproducing and spreading rapidly in areas where they have no natural predators and change the balance of the ecosystems we rely on. An invasive species can be any kind of living organism—an amphibian, plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism's seeds or eggs—that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm.
Admission to Crosswinds Marsh is free!
Crosswinds Marsh Rules
Park only at N 42 05.744 W 83 26.552
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
All Geocachers must follow the above rules
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK
Our crew consists of The Seed Spreaders, Stan&Ruth and Hooked On U. We also welcome The Walkabouts to our crew!
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. For more information on the Cache Crew and our endeavors, please visit us on the web at http://www.crosswindscaching.com and on social media.
This cache has been placed with the permissions of Wayne County Parks. Permit MM18-07 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.
FTF rights were raffled off to the attendees of GC7KVMH Crosswinds Marsh Meanderings - 2018