Raging Poison Ivy Worries Rock Creek Park Trail Users

ABC News
July 10, 2008

Rock Creek Park is affecting visitors in more ways than one. Poison ivy is taking over the area and visitors want a solution.

In Rock Creek Park there are no signs warning you, no arrows pointing it out, but it's everywhere. The all too common plant with three leaflets, poison ivy, is taking over.

Hikers and runners say poison ivy's presence is overwhelming. Joellen Fishman knows how to spot the irritating plant. She is highly allergic to the chemical in the plant's sap. "Every year I get some, some years are worst than others."

The problem isn't on the trail, it's running just inches off popular paths where this weed can wind up trees and push out of the soil in the form of a shrub.

Despite complaints, Joellen Fishmans say removing the annoyance would be a mistake. "They can't possibly remove all that poison ivy."

Park officials say unless poison ivy is growing on trails or invading highly popular areas, they won't remove it because it's a part of the eco-system. Environmental groups agree, saying education is the key. Visitors must know what it looks like and how to avoid it.

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