While relatively healthy, forests in western Oregon face threats from climate stress, insects and disease. Here's a look at forest management strategies to cope with those threats and keep the state's forests healthy.
Mature cattle grazing in pastures with rapidly growing grass are sometimes afflicted with a disease called grass tetany. The cause is a lack of magnesium in the grass. Here's what to look for and how to treat it.
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
Photo: Sheryl Costello, USDA Forest Service (Cropped from original)
You may have encountered white, segmented “worms” or grubs when chopping firewood and wondered what they were. Common questions include, did they kill my tree? And are they a danger to other trees? The quick answers are no, and no.
Some plants absorb excess nitrates or oxalates from the soil and store them in plant tissues. Toxicity problems can occur in animals which feed on these plants.
Mylen Bohle, David Hannaway, Andy Hulting, Karin Neff |
Apr 2018 |
Educational gallery
Q: The straw mulch I used at the end of summer to suppress the weeds doesn't seem to be working. Should I till it and cover with plastic? black or clear? Is there something better. Or should I add more straw. I could probably bring some cardboard home from work. Is this a healthy option?