I know this isn't a particularly pretty picture, but it does help me make a point.  So take a good look, cause I want you to be able to recognize it even when it has no leaves.  

 

This is what POISON IVY looks like in winter.  After it has dropped all its leaves, it is just a nasty vine growing up the trees.  See all those hairy red roots clinging to the tree bark?  Not all vines climb trees like this, but it is very typical of poison ivy.  And we have lots of it here. This is on the Creekside Trail.

 

All parts of poison ivy contain a nonvolatile oil, urushiol, which causes inflammation of the skin.  ALL PARTS, including the roots!!!

 

SO BE SAFE, BE CAREFUL, AND DON'T TOUCH IT!!!