A 1,050 acre mitigated wetland was created to mitigate wetland impacts from the expansion of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Crosswinds Marsh has transformed former agricultural land into an ecological treasure valued by both human and natural communities. The project recreated ecosystems for hundreds of native flora and fauna by restoring over 1,000 acres of historical wetland ecosystems. The technical design considered the pump-free hydrologic functions of the site to provide essential habitats that attract hundreds of animal species. While intentionally limiting direct human access, the site still serves as an invaluable educational and community resource, with innumerable opportunities to observe critical habitats. The strategic site design also facilitated low-impact recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, and birding, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to offer numerous recreational and learning opportunities for 15,000 annual visitors. Read more here.