NOTICE: This geocache will be archived and removed in early June to make room for some new geocaches to be published soon.
This cache was launched at the 2019 Earth Day Marsh Cleanup event GC82YX8. It is one of the eight geocaches placed for that event. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 190 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
Great Lakes
Did you know the very first Earth Day was organized by a Great Lakes Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin? Senator (and later, governor) Nelson supported emerging grassroots efforts and prepared a series of nationwide environmental events held on April 22, 1970. Since 1970, the Great Lakes have benefited from cleanups of contamination, point source pollution control, recycling initiatives, brownfield redevelopment projects, and the implementation of green infrastructure techniques. More recently, initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative have supported massive progress in removing toxic chemicals like mercury and PCBs from the region’s lakes and rivers.
So what does Earth Day mean for the Great Lakes today?
Today’s threats to the Great Lakes are complex, and less obvious than the burning rivers or piles of trash of the past. Some of today’s most pressing Great Lakes threats include:
* Aquatic invasive species hitchhiking into Great Lakes waterways;
* The unknown effects of emerging contaminants like fire retardants and pharmaceuticals;
* The proliferation of microplastics in Great Lakes waters and sediments;
* The need for accurate spill prevention strategies;
* Harmful algal blooms threatening drinking water supplies and wildlife; and
* The need to invest in our region’s infrastructure to protect health and water quality.
The region’s globally-significant Great Lakes resources are relied upon by millions for drinking water, constitute 20 percent of the world’s fresh water, and are a biological treasure called home by unique plant and wildlife communities. They are also valuable for transportation of goods throughout the world, powering a national and global economy.
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 permissions of Wayne County Parks. Permit ED19-06 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.