With summer in full swing and more people enjoying Washington County’s parks or conservation areas, one thing everyone needs to look out for is poison ivy. The old saying goes, “Leaves of three, leave it be,” and Conservation Director Steve Anderson says it’s more than just a catchy rhyme. Poison ivy grows in vines around trees and can be easily identified by the three leaf pattern, the shiny dark-green color, and the abundance of roots.

Different people have different susceptibilities to poison ivy, but if you do come in contact with it, Anderson says to use a strong soap and aggressively scrub the areas where sap has gotten on your skin. Finally, Anderson says if you know you’re going to be walking off the beaten path, it’s a good idea to wear long pants to protect yourself, even if it’s hot.