Most of us have heard the saying "leaves of three let them be," warning us about poison ivy. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native plant that benefits birds, but it's not something you want in your backyard.

But look closely. Are there three leaves or five? If five, the vine is likely to be Virginia creeper, the "quinque" part of its name Parthenocissus quinquefolia being a clue to the number of leaves.

In fact, the complete saying is "Leaves of three, let it be; leaves of five, let it thrive." Like poison ivy, Virginia creeper is a native vine and has berries for birds. It also has beautiful fall color.

If you see a building turn red in the fall, it's likely covered with Virginia creeper. It adheres to the surface by disks rather than penetrating roots, so it doesn't harm masonry but can actually keep a building cooler by shading the wall in summer.

A few cautions, though. Though it isn't considered a poisonous plant like poison ivy or poison oak, some people are sensitive to it in varying degrees and develop skin rashes. Like many plants -- native or not -- its berries are toxic. It's an aggressive spreader and will climb up shrubs and trees, but this habit can be controlled by just pulling the vine down or cutting it off at the base and letting it regrow.

So what's the verdict? It's definitely an important plant in natural areas, and birds love them. It's a key source of food for fruit-eating birds, such as mockingbirds, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. If your circumstances permit, it can be an important part of your habitat garden.

Learn more about Virginia creeper at Wildflower.org ...

Following the presentation inside, attendees will go outside to catch and tag monarchs.

Tagging is an important conservation effort, helping scientists know where and when monarchs are migrating.

WHERE: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY

Children can attend.