Hi, Carol, I'm back from vacation. Your question is worthwhile on Conch-L, inasmuch as poison ivy is the most common hazard that a fossil shell collector faces in the woods of eastern North America. If it's a vine with consistently 5-leaved clusters of leaves, then it's probably Virginia creeper and not allergenic. Poison ivy has "leaves three." The leaves are glossy, and their margins are usually slightly (not thoroughly) jagged. The vine form has myriad rootlets that resemble coarse hair. The plant has clusters of whitish berries in the fall. It is deciduous. Poison ivy has herb, vine, and bush forms, and is dismally common in eastern North America, especially in disturbed ground in the woods or at its edge. A related species (poisonwood) grows to tree size in the Bahamas. The "poison" is an allergenic oil. For those who are susceptible, a mere touch of any part of the plant leads to a painful, itchy rash that lasts a few days. For those who are very allergic to poison ivy, even the smoke from the burnt plant can be hazardous. In my experience, the ivy is most potent when it has not rained for several days. The best way to avoid problems with poison ivy while collecting fossils is to recognize and avoid the plant. "Leaves three, let it be" is a good maxim to learn. It also helps to cover your skin and not wear the same clothing again before cleaning it if you think it may have contacted the plant. It is not always possible to avoid touching poison ivy while climbing or descending cliffs. If you touch poison ivy, then wash your hands off with water as soon as possible afterward, and don't touch anything else until you wash. Treatment for the rash varies from person to person. I ignore it as best I can, and this works for me. The best cure is prevention. If you are VERY allergic to poison ivy, then it may be a good idea to collect fossils in the winter! Andrew K. Rindsberg Geological Survey of Alabama