Most of our regular trail users know the drill, but with lots of new folks out enjoying the trails, here’s your yearly refresher.
Photo 1: Poison Ivy
“Leaves of three, let it be!”
Typically three leaves per stem with irregular shapes, but as shown in Photo 2, those leaves can sometimes look smooth (one of our volunteers found that out the hard way😬). It’s thriving this year, so keep an eye out.
For those who are allergic, even brief contact can mean a week or two of misery, and sometimes a doctor visit. Poison Ivy grows along the ground and also climbs trees as a vine.
Photo 3: Virginia Creeper
Often mistaken for Poison Ivy, but harmless for most people.
Usually has five leaves per stem with more jagged edges.
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Think you’ve brushed up against Poison Ivy? Act fast!
• The sooner you clean it off, the better
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water (Dawn works great) or rubbing alcohol
• Specialty washes like Tecnu can help remove the oil
• Gently scrubbing with a cloth can help remove the urushiol oil before it sets in
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🐕 Dog owners, quick heads up:
Your pup won’t get a rash, but the oil can stick to their fur and transfer to you later. So if they’ve been romping off-trail, a quick rinse is your friend.
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Myth buster:
You can’t catch Poison Ivy from someone else’s rash.
The only way it spreads is through the oil (urushiol). Once that’s washed off skin, clothes, or gear, you’re in the clear.
