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Crosswinds Marsh County Park

Trail Details

County
Wayne
Regions
Southeast
Latitude
N 42° 05' 37.68"
Longitude
W 083° 26' 30.12"
Distance
0.1 miles to 4.5 miles
Trail Type
Boardwalks, foot trails, equestrian trail
Terrain
marsh, second growth trees,
Difficulty
Easy
Nearest City or Town
Sumpter Township
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While following a boardwalk through the heart of Crosswinds Marsh, we paused to watch an adult eagle leap off the edge of its huge nest and fly overhead. A minute later we were watching a jumbo jet from nearby Detroit Metro Airport streaking low across the sky.Boardwalks, Boeings and bald eagles; this Wayne County park is an unusual place.What was farm fields before 1993 is now one of the largest man-made marshes in the country and easily accessible via more than 5 miles of foot trails, including 1.4 miles of boardwalk over ponds and streams. The marsh and the 1,050-acre park is a result of a land swap when nearby Metro Airport destroyed 200 acres of wetland to expand its runways.State ...
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Description

While following a boardwalk through the heart of Crosswinds Marsh, we paused to watch an adult eagle leap off the edge of its huge nest and fly overhead. A minute later we were watching a jumbo jet from nearby Detroit Metro Airport streaking low across the sky.

Boardwalks, Boeings and bald eagles; this Wayne County park is an unusual place.

What was farm fields before 1993 is now one of the largest man-made marshes in the country and easily accessible via more than 5 miles of foot trails, including 1.4 miles of boardwalk over ponds and streams. The marsh – and the 1,050-acre park – is a result of a land swap when nearby Metro Airport destroyed 200 acres of wetland to expand its runways.

State law requires developers to create or set aside 1.5 acres of wetlands for every acre destroyed so the Metro Airport Authority bought dry farmland nearby and flooded it in 1994 to create a 304-acre marsh. Thousands of wetland plants – such as water lilies, hairy asters and marsh marigolds – were imported and planted, tons of dirt were excavated, drains were redirected, ponds created, park infrastructure was installed. In 1997, Crosswinds Marsh opened as the newest and certainly most unusual Wayne County Park.

Ironically before the area was farmland it was a wetlands and a debate still simmers as to whether a man-made marsh can ever be as healthy as a natural one. But it’s hard to argue that wildlife, particularly birds, have found a home here. At last count the marsh was supporting 147 species of birds, including two bald eagles, blue herons, egrets, Virginia rail and a wide variety of waterfowl, and 40 species of mammals, ranging from muskrats and fox to coyotes and whitetail deer.

Activities at the park range from fishing to horseback riding along a 5-mile equestrian trail the encircles the park. But clearly the most popular activities are hiking and birding and usually together by following the boardwalks with a pair of binoculars in hand. Because the eight trails are short, ranging in distance from a hundred yards to 1.8 miles, the park is an excellent destination for families with young children. The distances are ideal and the scenery and wildlife seen from the boardwalks will definitely hold their interest for an afternoon no matter the age.

Amenities & Services
Difficulty - Easy
Foot Path
Trail Guide

Click on highlighted trails for individual trail page:

Bald Eagle-Blue Heron Hike  4.3 miles Hike
Wetland Garden Trail 0.1 miles - Boardwalk
Muskrat Trail 0.5 miles Hike
Mallard Trail 0.6 miles Hike
Bluegill Trail 0.3 miles Boardwalk
Blue Heron Trail 1.6 miles Hike
Bald Eagle Trail 1.8 miles Hike
Woodpecker Trail 0.5 miles Hike
Equestrian Trail 4.5 miles Two-track

 

Facilities

The park includes a small picnic area of tables and grills – but little shade – along with vault toilets but no source of drinking water. A park interpreter offers a variety of nature programs throughout the year. Call the park office for details.

Hours & Fees

Crosswinds Marsh is open daily from dawn to dusk and the park office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is no entry fee for the park.

Directions

The park is in the southwest corner of Wayne County and reached from I-275 by departing at exit 8. Head west on Will Carleton Road which becomes Oakville-Waltz Road. In 4 miles turn north on Haggerty Road to the park entrance.

Information

Call the park office (734-654-1223) or the Wayne County Parks Department (734-261-1992).


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