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Fire Island National SeashoreShiny green leaflets of the poison ivy plant.
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Fire Island National Seashore
For Your Safety: Avoid Poison Ivy
 
Tiny leaflets of poison ivy sprout up over boardwalk.
Quickly growing poison ivy sprouts may shoot up through the crevices in the boardwalks before the park's ranger and maintenance staff can remove them. Always be alert for these "leaves of three!"
Staying on the boardwalks usually helps you avoid poison ivy. This three-leafed plant can grow as a shrub or as a climbing vine. In early summer, yellowish or greenish flowers with five petals appear and develop into small round off-white fruits by fall. The leaves also turn red in fall, providing a cue to many birds which feed on the ripe fruit.
 
Grey poison ivy stems with tiny reddish leaflets in early spring.
Poison ivy can cause a rash even in the winter or early spring, when few or no tell-tale leaves are visible.
Poison ivy leaves and stems contain oil, called urishiol, which can cause a red itchy rash or blisters several days after you touch it. This oil can be transferred from clothing, tools, and pets to your skin. The best protection is to avoid contact with poison ivy or to wear protective clothing.

Wash anything that may have come in contact with poison ivy before the oil touches your skin.
 
Man in red shirt washes his hands in white sink.
If you've been exposed to poison ivy, wash with soap and cool running water, preferably within an hour after exposure.
Park ranger works at desk inside a visitor center.
Stop by the Visitor Center
Staff at Fire Island's visitor centers help you better understand the park.
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Small Yorkshire terrier is clucthed tightly in arms of his owner.
Where Can I Take My Dog?
Always keep your pet leashed for its protection.
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Group gathers in front of white manor house surrounded by large trees.  

Did You Know?
Several generations of Floyd family women planted trees around the William Floyd Estate's Old Mastic House. You can still see some of those same trees today. Several big trees are now more than 150 years old.
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Last Updated: August 30, 2006 at 14:43 EST