Give hiking a try

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This view of poison ivy on the ground shows the “leaves of three.” All parts of this plant contain an oil that causes an itchy rash.

By JANINE SULLIVAN-WILEY

“I’ve been thinking about going for a hike,” a friend of mine said, “but I’m really not sure what to expect, or how to prepare.” Perhaps you share my friend’s feelings? Well, here are a few tips to help you get out on the trail.

Preparations begin with determining if this will be a walk or a hike. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a walk as “a short journey by foot taken for exercise or pleasure,” and a hike as “to walk or march laboriously, to walk for pleasure, to go for a long walk especially in the country.” So, a walk for pleasure in the country – as on a Middlebury Land Trust property – can legitimately be called either.

The first consideration is how much walking you’re used to doing. If walking a mile sounds like a major expedition, start with a short trail over pretty easy terrain. Remember that “for pleasure” part!

As for equipment, all that’s needed are clothes suited to the weather and temperature, and sturdy, comfortable shoes. For clothing, layers are always best – you will warm up as you move along. For hiking over rough terrain, or if stability concerns you, add hiking poles.

Poison ivy clambers up a tree trunk, its hairy vines holding it tight to the bark. On the tree or on the ground, its somewhat pointy “leaves of three” tell you to beware. In either form, the plant contains an oil that causes an itchy rash. (Janine Sullivan-Wiley photos)

When the bugs are out, use bug spray to keep ticks and mosquitoes at bay. If you will be going off-trail in the woods, long pants tucked into socks are recommended. If it’s recently rained, expect to find mud on the trails.

If you plan to take your four-legged friend along, he or she should be leashed and please bring some bags to pack out what might be deposited. Water for everyone is a good idea. As for what to expect, ticks probably are the most dangerous thing you will encounter.

Next, while not dangerous but certainly the most uncomfortable, is poison ivy. At least 75 percent of the population is at least somewhat allergic to it. This native vine spreads by underground roots and by seeds. Birds eat the seeds, so plants can crop up anywhere. Note in the accompanying photos that it has “leaves of three,” so “let it be.”

Poison ivy grows along the sides of many trails and readily grows up trees with hairy vines holding it in place. Avoid touching leaves, stems or even the roots, all of which contain the allergenic oil urushiol. You also can pick up the oil from your shoes or a dog’s fur if they rubbed against the plant.

Another plant, poison sumac, is not common in Connecticut, so is generally not a concern except in a swampy area. This woody shrub has 7 to 13 leaves in pairs and drooping clusters of green berries. Most of what you’ll see is our non-poisonous native staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, with the upright berry clusters.

If you like birds, take a pair of light binoculars with you, and take time to pause and listen along your hike. Don’t forget to look down, not just to watch your footing, but to notice the wildflowers that vary by terrain. After a rainy spell, they are joined by wild mushrooms and fungi in amazing forms and colors.

If you’re really lucky, you might spot wildlife. But if you make noise while walking, bears or other creatures will hear you coming and get out of the way. They’re probably less eager to see you than you are to see them.

If you’ve been hesitating, now is the time to give hiking a try! Find a list of Middlebury Land Trust properties at middleburylandtrust.org. Contact me at jswspotlight@gmail.com