This cache was launched at the 2019 Native Prairie Plants & Pollinators event GC86474. It is one of the five geocaches placed for that event. The Crosswinds Cache Crew collaborated with the River Raisin Institute to bring an educational event all about native plants and their pollinators. The event was hosted by Master Gardener Crystal Castle.
Native Pollinator: Bees
The super-pollinators of the garden are … native bees! While honeybees have their place, it’s our native solitary bees—such as mason bees and leafcutter bees—which are vital to our flowers and food.
Solitary Bees: The Heroes of Pollination
Most of us grew up learning about the sophisticated social structures of honey bees and bumblebees, and we’ve come to think that their lifestyle represents all bee behavior. The truth is, the world is home to more than 20,000 species of bees, and a whopping 90% of them do not live together in hives. Instead, most of the world’s bees live alone. Unlike social bees, each female solitary bee has to gather pollen and nectar, build nests, and lay eggs all on her own, without the help of hundreds or thousands of doting workers. And although honey bees tend to get all the credit for keeping our crops going, native solitary bees are almost two to three times more effective pollinators! So, if 90% of bees don’t live in hives, where do they live? Well, about 70% of solitary bee species nest underground in tunnels and burrows, while the remaining 30% nest aboveground, in holes in logs and stems.
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 POL19-4 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.