Wild parsnip is an alien invader that is spreading all over.  You can often find it in road ditches.  This is a plant you should avoid.  Contact with this plant combined with sweat and sunlight can cause a severe burn and blistering.  A friend of ours even ended up in the hospital after too much contact with this plant.  It pulls easily if the soil is moist (wear gloves and long sleeved shirt).  If the soil is dry, cut the root twice with a shovel.  It will not come back.