Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve

08/17/2026

It's Slow Motion Monday! The call of the Red-winged Blackbird is typically quite a lovely call, it reminds of us spring and the upcoming season change. When you slow it down though, it takes a rather creepy turn!

08/14/2026

If you have been to Crosswinds in the springtime there is a good chance you have come across a vernal pool. These temporary wetlands, which translate directly to spring pool, are formed when snow melt and rainfall meet in depressions in the land. These wetlands are vital to many amphibians and reptiles as they provide crucial breeding habitats. But, once the spring rains end and the snow is all melted, what happens to these wetlands?

Once summer arrives these pools dry up. Depending on the size of the pool, the amount of rainfall, and the temperature this might occur every year, or up to every 10 years. This drying is crucial to some species, including the fairy shrimp, who must go through a period of drying out to complete their life cycle! The ground transforms from a pool of water to a lush green space where many different plant species thrive. If you are interested in visiting a vernal pool in any season, the Mallard Trail has a prime example!

There is an incredible array of things you will find in vernal pools! We have seen wood frogs, chorus frogs, fairy shrimp, snapping turtles, countless insects, ducks, and so much more! Have you ever seen a vernal pool? What is the coolest thing you've seen in one?

08/13/2026

So many of our amazing insects start their lives in the water!! Have you ever seen one of these in a lake, river, or pond?

How many of these little critters have you seen lately? 👀

You can find a link to download a PDF copy of the handout in the comments.

08/07/2026

There is still time to register for our Sensory Meet the Marsh program!! Join us on Tuesday, August 11th from 2:00PM - 3:30PM! Learn more about the inhabitants of the marsh through hands-on interactions. Feel mammal pelts, take an up-close look at a bird mount, feel the hard shell of a turtle, and much more! You will also meet a few live reptiles. We will finish the program with short half (.5) mile hike to see if we can spot any inhabitants out and about.

To register, please call the Wayne County Parks front desk (734-261-1990). Note you will need to pay over the phone by credit card or come into the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center (Westland) to pay by cash, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or check. Hours are between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, closed Noon-1:00 PM for lunch.

08/07/2026

There is still time to register for our final sensory program of the summer! Come on down for Sensory Meet the Marsh this coming Tuesday, August 11th, from 2:00PM - 3:30PM! Learn more about the inhabitants of the marsh through hands-on interactions. Feel mammal pelts, take an up-close look at a bird mount, feel the hard shell of a turtle, and much more! You will also meet a few live reptiles. We will finish the program with short half (.5) mile hike to see if we can spot any inhabitants out and about.

To register, please call the Wayne County Parks front desk (734-261-1990). Note you will need to pay over the phone by credit card or come into the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center (Westland) to pay by cash, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or check. Hours are between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, closed Noon-1:00 PM for lunch.

08/07/2026

Looking for a quieter, more sensory-friendly way to enjoy the waterpark?

Join us for Sensory Swim at the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center on Saturday, August 8, from 9 to 11 AM. The park opens early to provide a calmer environment before welcoming the general public.

No pre-registration is required. Daily park admission applies.

08/06/2026

How is this possible when they stand around 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan up to seven feet? They have hollow bones!

Fun fact: Despite being the largest heron species in North America, Great Blue Herons weigh only five to six pounds.

08/05/2026

August is bringing continuous flowers blooming, blue skies, and butterflies! Have you been out recently? If not, come enjoy these summer days and post your pictures below!

08/03/2026

August is here and we have one amazing program for you to join us for! Come on down for Sensory Meet the Marsh on Tuesday, August 11th from 2:00PM - 3:30PM! Learn more about the inhabitants of the marsh through hands-on interactions. Feel mammal pelts, take an up-close look at a bird mount, feel the hard shell of a turtle, and much more! You will also meet a few live reptiles. We will finish the program with short half (.5) mile hike to see if we can spot any inhabitants out and about.

To register, please call the Wayne County Parks front desk (734-261-1990). Note you will need to pay over the phone by credit card or come into the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center (Westland) to pay by cash, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or check. Hours are between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, closed Noon-1:00 PM for lunch.

07/31/2026

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center has two incredible programs for you to join them on in August. Get your hiking boots ready and hit the trails with them for some incredible adventures!

Join them for their Wilcox Lake Binocular Hike on Thursday, August 13, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM at Wilcox Lake in Plymouth. Check out the new plantings, grab a pair of binoculars THEY PROVIDE, and do some guided bird watching. The lake is a hot spot for egrets, ospreys, bald eagles, and more!

Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest Hike is on Friday, August 21st, from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM at Sherwood Recreation Area in Westland (Address 29600 Edward Hines Drive). Expect a one-mile hike through our river prairie ecosystem. This hike is to be led by Robin hood and his "Merriman". They will be armed with insects nets and their knowledge of plants to offer a closer look and tell you about whatever we come across.

Pre-registration is required for EITHER HIKE by calling (734) 261-1990 or by visiting Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, which is open 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Monday through Friday (closed Noon-1:00 PM for lunch). The fee is $5.00 per person ($6.00 per person if out of county) and is recommended for ages five and older.