NOTICE: This geocache will be archived and removed in early June to make room for some new geocaches to be published soon.
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This cache was launched at the 2019 Phragmites Removal event (GC865H4). It is one of the seven geocaches that were placed for that event. The Crosswinds Cache Crew collaborated with the Wayne County Park System, the River Raisin Institute, and the Stewardship Network to work towards removing this invasive plant and raise awareness of the harm that it does to the marsh.
The spread of Phragmites
Phragmites colonizes new areas and spreads within an area using several reproductive strategies:
- Phragmites produces up to 2,000 seeds per seed head per year. Research suggests that Phragmites spreads to new areas predominantly through seed dispersal.
- Stolons are stems that are connected to the parent plant that grow along the soil surface and can form roots and shoots. They allow Phragmites to expand around an area where the plant is already established.
- Rhizomes are underground stems connected to the parent plant that are capable of growing roots and shoots. They allow Phragmites to expand around an area where the plant is already established.
While the predominant form of spread to new areas is via seed dispersal, Phragmites can also spread to new areas when pieces of rhizomes or stolons are broken off of a parent plant and moved to a new location where they can root. This can happen due to natural forces such as wind or flood waters. Dispersal can also occur because humans move them purposefully or by accident, such as on construction equipment that was not properly cleaned.
Once a patch of Phragmites is established, it can form dense stands and spread rapidly to adjacent areas via rhizomes or stolons. Studies have shown that the lateral spread of rhizomes averages approximately 15.7 in per year, and stolons can grow up to 4.25 in in a day.
The cache:
The cache is a small sized lock & lock hidden along the fence-line to the east of the parking lot.
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. 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 MVC19-14 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.