Please be careful near this cache and along the Swamp Trail as Cow Parsnip has been seen in the area.
- Everyone can get it. Unlike poison ivy, you don't need to be sensitized by a prior exposure. Wild parsnip causes a non-allergic dermatitis that can occur with the right combination of plant juice and sunlight.
- You can touch and brush against the plant – carefully – without harm. Parsnip is only dangerous when the juice gets on skin from broken leaves or stems. Fair-skinned people, however, may be extra-sensitive to tiny amounts of juice.
- Wild parsnip's "burn" is usually less irritating than poison ivy's "itch." Generally, wild parsnip causes a modest burning pain for a day or two, and then the worst is over. The itch and discomfort from poison ivy, in contrast, can drive people crazy for a long time.
- If you do get the plant juice on your skin, the sooner you thoroughly wash the area, the less you will be affected.
Most caches are close to the trail or road, at most, a dozen or two steps off. There are a number of points of interest to stop and take in the sights. If you use a bicycle, please remember to park your bike off of the trail or road.
I highly recommend to stop at the island's information booth at N45 50.971 W84 37.075 to get a map of the island. You can also download a copy by visiting the link below.
I have created a remote web page with general information and a Points of Interest (water, bathrooms, etc) GPX file for geocaching on Mackinac Island. Please visit this link for the latest info.
I read many of the logs that are posted on my caches, but sometimes I can't read all emails. If you find a problem with any of my caches, please post a "Needs Maintenance" log. Logs of that type are filtered into a special inbox that gets 100% read. Thank you.