Enjoying the outdoors safely this summer

With summer around the corner and warmer days on the horizon, people will be hitting the trails and hanging out in the great outdoors a little more than usual. But while preparing for excursions and adventures into the wild is second-nature for some, this summer may see more first-timers venturing into uncharted territories.

'I think one of the things we've seen with this pandemic year is a lot of things have gone away but rec and getting outdoors still is open when it comes down to it. We've seen record numbers on trail usage and even fishing. This past weekend was free fishing in Iowa and we saw a substantial number of people going out,” Zach Rozmus, Washington County Conservation executive director, said.

For those who aren't quite as used to being among the trees and wildlife, and may be feeling a little out of their depth taking the plunge this summer, local naturalists and conservation directors from around southeast Iowa have tips on what to look out for and how to prepare.

Plants to avoid:

The ever-present poison ivy continues to be a nuisance for hikers in southeast Iowa. As the adage goes: 'Leaves of three, let them be.”

Danika Cox, assistant naturalist for Henry County, warned poison ivy can take many forms, including shrubs and vines, which means staying vigilant is especially important.

'It's hard to describe exactly what it looks like but if it has three leaves, it's a good idea to just leave it alone,” Cox said.

But on top of taking steps to limit contact with poison ivy, it's also important to consider different methods of spread. For pet owners who like to take their furry friends out on the trails, this is especially important.

'The oils can transfer from pets. You should wash with soap and water as soon as possible. One common error is that people will use soap with moisturizer. Use regular soap - moisturizer will push the oils further into the skin and cause a worse reaction,” Tiller warned.

In addition to poison ivy, Rozmus and Tiller also pointed to wild parsnips, an invasive species, as a plant to become familiar with.

'It has this beautiful yellow flower and is really common - it spreads rather quickly. The sap also will cause the skin to burn. It's like a second-degree burn,” Rozmus explained.

Tiller, who has personally suffered from contact with wild parsnip, said the sap from the plant reacts with sunlight and creates blisters.

'You should wash as quickly as possible but prevention is the best medicine for this one,” Tiller added.

Being able to identify parsnip is important. In addition to a yellow flower, Rozmus said wild parsnips are also usually substantially taller than other shrubbery around it and 'sticks out.” Another way to avoid contact with both parsnip and poison ivy is wearing clothing that covers skin, Rozmus added.

Preparing for hikes:

While hikes may seem like a straightforward endeavor, Cox said sometimes people tend to decide to go on a whim and can forget to bring proper equipment. This includes sunscreen and bug spray, as well as water.

'It's the little things that people forget. The biggest thing is water. It's sunny out and they get hot and can succumb to heat stroke. I would suggest having those basic things in the car. I always have water in my car,” Cox said.

Cox also warned gnats and mosquitoes are rather common as the weather gets warmer and should especially look out for ticks.

'There is a proper way to get them out. You don't want to grab them by the stomach, where you see their stomach. That will push back the blood they've been sucking on. If they've been on another animal, that's how you can get diseases. You want to get as close as you can to skin and pull it that way,” she explained.

Rozmus added that proper clothing and footwear is especially important when hiking. Additionally, when hiking alone, individuals should let a family member or friend know where they plan to hike and be.

'Just letting someone know where you're going so if you don't check in at this point and time - god forbid - they know what location you would be at,” Rozmus said. Keeping a phone on hand may also be a good idea for emergencies.

As for which trails to choose, Tiller said first-timers may consider a down-and-back trail, which is easy to follow.

'With loops, it can get a little confusing or people end up hiking a lot longer than they wanted. With down-and-back trails, however far you walked is how much you go back,” she explained.

Dealing with wildlife:

Generally speaking, southeast Iowa does not see any mountain lions or wolves but hikers may see a couple coyotes as they're making their way through the woods, Cox explained.

'It's important to remember - you're in their home now. Respect these animals. The only time we see clashes between people and animals is when people get too close,” Cox said.

Rozmus also said he would never suggest anyone feed wildlife.

'It's great to observe and instinctually people may want to touch and feel but it's best to observe from a distance. We also don't want to create an environment where they become reliant on us,” he said

Additionally, people out on trails may see more and more newborns and fledglings this time of year. A common misconception people have is that baby animals are abandoned if seen alone, but that is usually not the case.

'This time of year, there are a lot of newborns out there, fawns or raccoons. The parent's can't be around 24/7. When you locate their newborn sitting on its own, it doesn't mean their abandoned,” Rozmus added.

Utilizing local resources and trails:

The conservation departments in southeast Iowa have prepared socially-distant activities to get people out in a safe way. In Henry County, Cox said the department has set up several self-guided hikes that people can do at their own pace and on their own time. Currently, hikers in the area will be learning about native fish as they walk.

In Washington County, popular trails include the Kewash Trail, which starts in Washington and ends in Keota. Rozmus said he also suggests the Briton Trails in the Brighton area, which is also an equestrian ground.

The Jefferson County Conservation department is also continuing with several programs, including paddle boarding and kayaking.

'I do recommend, if people are uncertain or a little nervous to try something new, it's nice to do it in a group setting. We'll be there to help and give tips,” Tiller added.