Addressing a current popular meme in social media encouraging waiting to clean up your garden until temperatures reach 50º F or higher, in order to help conserve insects. We address the claim that if you clean your garden ...
This publication is an introduction to the Megachilidae family of bees found in the Pacific Northwest. It highlights the characteristics of two important members of this family: leafcutting bees and mason bees, both...
Many of Oregon’s 800 species of native bees live in forests. Scientists, however, are just beginning to learn about their populations, their roles in forest ecosystems and how forests support them.
Amy Grotta |
Feb 2019 |
Article
Photo: Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
Poison oak plants contain a chemical that causes a severe rash. Learn how to spot a plant, safely remove, and clean your clothes, gear and skin afterward to prevent a rash.
Silage-making has been used to reduce the concentrations of toxins in a variety of crops. But in the case of poison hemlock, the opposite is true — making silage out of it actually increases one of its toxic alkaloids.
Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.
Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs |
Aug 2011 |
Article
Your garden is full of insects—some friends, some foes. Learn how to identify insects so that you know how to respond when you see them in your garden.
In the Pacific Northwest alone, there are more than 28,000 identified species of insects. Most of the insects in our yards and gardens are harmless or even beneficial, but some cause plant damage or are a nuisance for ...
Follow these 10 principles to turn your garden into a pollinator paradise. Plant flowers of different shapes, aim for continuous flowering and be sure to feature native plants. Include bulbs, shrubs and trees in your planting plan, and leave some bare dirt for ground-nesting bees.