NOTICE: This geocache will be archived and removed in early October 2020 to make room for some new geocaches to be published soon.
This cache was launched at the 2019 Purple Loosestrife Removal event (GC865GR). It is one of the four 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.
PL02 - Purple Loosestrife: The Problem
Purple loosestrife is a very hardy perennial which can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat. Wetlands are the most biologically diverse, productive component of our ecosystem. Hundreds of species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish and amphibians rely on healthy wetland habitat for their survival.
However, when purple loosestrife gets a foothold, the habitat where fish and wildlife feed, seek shelter, reproduce and rear young, quickly becomes choked under a sea of purple flowers. Areas where wild rice grows and is harvested, and where fish spawn, are degraded. An estimated 469,490 acres of wetlands, marshes, pastures and riparian meadows are affected in North America each year, with an economic impact of millions of dollars.
The cache:
The cache is a regular sized lock and lock hidden along the northern Horse Trail. Please be sure to rehide it well.
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 MVC19-07 has been submitted and is on file at the park office.