Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

Sun, March 22, 2026, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Description

We will dig out Poison Hemlock and Multiflora Rose from the parking lot area. The sap of biennial Poison Hemlock, in the carrot family, is dangerous if ingested, so it is a hazard for small children. Mr. Rogers would not like that! For some people, it will also cause their skin to be UV light sensitive if they get sap on their skin. Once exposed to light, they will get a skin rash similar to Poison Ivy. The sap is mostly inside the plant, not on the surface. It readily washes off of skin and clothing with soap and water, more easily than for Poison Ivy. The Poison Hemlock plants at Buttermilk Falls are less than six inches tall and wide, so they will be easy to dig out without any risk of getting sap on ourselves. We dug out all of the Poison Hemlock last year, but we will have to return for a few years to deplete the seed bank in the soil.

For Multiflora Rose, wear long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes or boots, and gloves. For Poison Hemlock, bring a hoe or small spade shovel, if you have one, or use our tools. We will supply rubber gloves. If you don't want to mess with Poison Hemlock, you can work exclusively on pulling Multiflora Rose bushes.

Visit this location's web site: Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

Upcoming Events

White's Woods Nature Center

  • Sat, April 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Blue Spruce Park

  • Sat, April 25, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

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