About
Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve is often described as a hidden jewel. In 1989, the Wayne County Airport Authority purchased the land to replace wetlands impacted by expansion of the airport. Construction activities included removing the houses and drainage tiles, planting native plant and tree species, and constructing boardwalks throughout marsh areas for park visitors. In May 1997, Crosswinds Marsh was opened to the public. The site is owned by the Wayne County Airport Authority and managed by Wayne County Parks.
Nature Areas
Crosswinds Marsh is a serene ecosystem with breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife viewing. Crosswinds Marsh is one of the few places in Wayne County where you have a chance of seeing a bald eagle learn to fly for the first time, hear a flock of sandhill cranes overhead as they prepare for landing, catch a glimpse of a mink running across a boardwalk, or hear a chorus of spring peepers and Western chorus frogs as you take a walk through a forested wetland. These are just some of the unique features about Crosswinds Marsh, but depending on the season, time of day, and just being at the right place at the right time, there is so much more: the sunrises, sunsets, snow-covered landscapes, and spring wildflowers to name a few.
Crosswinds Marsh is home to a variety of springtime plants, including spring beauty, trillium, mayapple, wild geranium, trout lily, blueflag iris, and ferns. The marshes and forests at Crosswinds Marsh really come alive with wildlife activity in the spring. Common sightings include white-tailed deer, bald eagles, herons, geese, numerous species of ducks and songbirds, turtles, frogs, garter snakes, bluegill sunfish, largemouth bass, and numerous species of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Our park visitors often come in the spring to watch territorial behaviors and nest building activities of songbirds. Male birds sing and show off their bright-colored feather while male and female birds gather plant materials for the nest. This is also the time of year to see ducklings and goslings follow their parents through the marsh, fawns walk with their mother through the forest, hear male frogs compete to be the most popular one around and gain the attention of the female frogs, and see beautiful butterflies and other interesting insects pollinate the spring wildflowers.
Programs and Activities
Crosswinds Marsh offers approximately 7 miles of hiking trails and 5 miles of horse trails (horses are not provided!). Park visitors enjoy numerous activities at the park, including, birding, photography, horseback riding, geocaching, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Fishing is permitted in designated areas. There are also canoe programs that can be either naturalist guided or self guided. No personal watercraft are permitted.
Trails at Crosswinds Marsh consist of boardwalks and grass/dirt/woodchip/gravel paths. The boardwalks are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs and are near the parking lot at the entrance of the park. For families with little ones who seek a short day trip, from the parking lot there are a couple of trails that are all less than one mile each and provide spectacular views of the marsh. The Bluegill Trail is 0.3 miles and the Wetland Garden Trail and Mallard Trail combined are 0.7 miles. Combining the Muskrat Trail and the southern portion of the Mallard Trail is about 1 mile of hiking. At the start of the Wetland Garden Trail, near the parking lot, there is a large map depicting all the trails and their distances.
There are two portable restrooms located near the park entrance and parking lot. Dogs are allowed on leashes; owners are expected to clean up waste. Trash cans are located throughout the parking lot, picnic areas, and at many of the trail intersections.
- Nature Tots is a new program designed for 3 to 4-year-olds. Participants have the opportunity to dress like a bug, look for insects, make animal tracks in the sand, and play games that strengthen their coordination as well as teach them about animals.
- There are family programs with themes such as owls and other birds, bats, exotic species, and reusing household materials to make crafts.
- Families can enjoy activities that include potato sack races, mini stilt races, tug-o-war, bird/animal call contests, and free throw contests.
- Interpretive programs for senior citizens are also provided. Topics range from native plants and animals and how these species adapt to living in wetlands to how household substances affect water quality and the critical functions of wetlands.
- There are many free public events such as Family Fishing Fun Day where young people can learn to fish, our Nature Fest event where families can get up-close with local wildlife, play nature games, make nature crafts, and just get outside and enjoy nature and Hobby Day when park visitors learn about and try their hand at various hobbies, including birding, canoeing, photography, astronomy, juggling, and geocaching, just to name a few.
- The most popular program among school children is Wonder of Water & Wetlands. There are three components to this program: live animals, pond exploration, and a hike. Children come face-to-face with live frogs, turtles and snakes that are native to Crosswinds Marsh, and also learn about other wildlife species that live here via materials they can feel and those we encounter during our hike through the marsh and forested areas. Participants love the marsh exploration aspect in which they use dip nets to investigate which aquatic invertebrates are living in the marsh.
Spring Educational/Fun Events:
Saturday, April 23rd: Spring Bird Hike, 8-10 a.m.
Tuesday, May 3rd: Homeschool Program--Animal Architects, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, May 14th: You're Never Too Old to be a Kid, 10-12 p.m.
Friday, June 3rd: Bats--Friend or Foe? 8-10 p.m.
Saturday, June 11th: Family Fishing Day, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuesday, June 14th: Homeschool Program: Splendid Spiders, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, June 25th: Nature Fest, 1-4 p.m.
Visit or Learn More
Crosswinds Marsh is open to the public every day of the year, from dawn to dusk. Entrance into the park is free. There is a link to the map on the website.
Address: Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve, 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston, MI, 48164
Phone: 734-654-1220
Website: http://www.waynecounty.com/dps/2019.htm
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Macaroni Kid thanks Jennifer Panek, Naturalist for Crosswinds Marsh, for her contributions to this article.
