There are a lot of things that are important to me when it comes to nature. Invasive species, littering, and safety. I am going to spend some time talking about these topics. Rather than being one gigantic post, I am going to write 3 regular sized posts.
I'm sure by now that we have all heard about the emerald ash borer, but have you heard about wild parsnip and its dangers?
The Emerald Ash Borer is threatening our ash trees. When you go camping you normally take your own firewood right? I mean no one likes paying the prices that the parks ask for bundles of wood. But if you come from one of the areas where Emerald Ash Borer has been found, you should probably rethink that. You don't want to be the one that threatens the local ecosystem, do you? Most parks that I have been to frown down on you bringing wood from other counties for this reason. Iowa is currently under a quarantine due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
What do you do if you are out in the woods hiking, mushroom hunting, or even on your own property or a friend's and find a tree that has markings that appear to be from the Emerald Ash Borer? Take pictures, see if you can locate the insect that has caused the damage and take pictures of it as well. Not I'm not saying dig into a living tree by any means but if you can safely find the insect without harming yourself or the tree, take pictures of it. The adult insect eats the leaves of the tree. Then send them to the DNR with your exact location, GPS coordinates if you can even. They will have their people look it over and get back a hold of you.
Wild Parsnip is thought to have come to America with European settlers. It originates in Europe and Asia. It looks like wild dill or the common plant found in the ditches all over Iowa Sweet Anne's Lace only Wild Parsnip has yellow flowers. If you come in contact with this plant its oils get into your skin and with the sun's rays cause a blistering burning rash. If you come in contact with this plant wash the area with with soap and water. Make sure to keep that area out of sunlight. If the rash is too bothersome you can go to your doctor or a dermatologist and they will prescribe you a steroid cream to put on it.
Poison Ivy is something that I feel that I should touch on as well. While my husband Scott and I are not currently allergic to poison ivy, and we really hope that James will share our immunity to it. Most people are. About 85% of the population is allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. The Iowa DNR says that poison oak and poison sumac are not found in Iowa, I know many people that beg to differ. There are 2 types of poison ivy found in Iowa. Often you hear the saying "leaves of 3 leave it be" well seeings as how we have no reaction to it, I have never taken the time to get to know it intimately enough to be able to point it out.
Should you come in contact with poison ivy wash the area with Dawn dish soap. I keep alcohol wipes on me while out in the woods as well in case I come across something or someone that I am with does. Many retailers sell some sort of soap or medicine to put on the rash. You can find more information about at home treatments with just a quick google search. Aloe, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and witch hazel are among those. If you develop a rash over most of your body, swelling especially your eyes, rash on your face or genitals, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing seek medical attention Immediately.
There are different laws and suggestions regarding invasive species. Depending on what you are doing and possibly going to be seeing you should get acquainted with the species and the suggestions surrounding them. Some fish you can be fined for being in possession of. Know Your Laws.
I'm sure by now that we have all heard about the emerald ash borer, but have you heard about wild parsnip and its dangers?
The Emerald Ash Borer is threatening our ash trees. When you go camping you normally take your own firewood right? I mean no one likes paying the prices that the parks ask for bundles of wood. But if you come from one of the areas where Emerald Ash Borer has been found, you should probably rethink that. You don't want to be the one that threatens the local ecosystem, do you? Most parks that I have been to frown down on you bringing wood from other counties for this reason. Iowa is currently under a quarantine due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
What do you do if you are out in the woods hiking, mushroom hunting, or even on your own property or a friend's and find a tree that has markings that appear to be from the Emerald Ash Borer? Take pictures, see if you can locate the insect that has caused the damage and take pictures of it as well. Not I'm not saying dig into a living tree by any means but if you can safely find the insect without harming yourself or the tree, take pictures of it. The adult insect eats the leaves of the tree. Then send them to the DNR with your exact location, GPS coordinates if you can even. They will have their people look it over and get back a hold of you.
Here is more information about the Emerald Ash Borer
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| Notice the s-shaped patterns |
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| Notice the D shaped holes |
Wild Parsnip is thought to have come to America with European settlers. It originates in Europe and Asia. It looks like wild dill or the common plant found in the ditches all over Iowa Sweet Anne's Lace only Wild Parsnip has yellow flowers. If you come in contact with this plant its oils get into your skin and with the sun's rays cause a blistering burning rash. If you come in contact with this plant wash the area with with soap and water. Make sure to keep that area out of sunlight. If the rash is too bothersome you can go to your doctor or a dermatologist and they will prescribe you a steroid cream to put on it.
Poison Ivy is something that I feel that I should touch on as well. While my husband Scott and I are not currently allergic to poison ivy, and we really hope that James will share our immunity to it. Most people are. About 85% of the population is allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. The Iowa DNR says that poison oak and poison sumac are not found in Iowa, I know many people that beg to differ. There are 2 types of poison ivy found in Iowa. Often you hear the saying "leaves of 3 leave it be" well seeings as how we have no reaction to it, I have never taken the time to get to know it intimately enough to be able to point it out.
Should you come in contact with poison ivy wash the area with Dawn dish soap. I keep alcohol wipes on me while out in the woods as well in case I come across something or someone that I am with does. Many retailers sell some sort of soap or medicine to put on the rash. You can find more information about at home treatments with just a quick google search. Aloe, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and witch hazel are among those. If you develop a rash over most of your body, swelling especially your eyes, rash on your face or genitals, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing seek medical attention Immediately.
For more information regarding invasive species in Iowa see https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/ia.shtml
There are different laws and suggestions regarding invasive species. Depending on what you are doing and possibly going to be seeing you should get acquainted with the species and the suggestions surrounding them. Some fish you can be fined for being in possession of. Know Your Laws.
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