Helping Oregon Grow
We provide extension education in plant pathology to Oregon growers and the general public. Learn more about our outreach and services below.
Extension Education in Plant Pathology
Providing the State of Oregon with extension education in plant pathology is a major service mission.
Our extension faculty include Cynthia Ocamb, Jay Pscheidt, and Mana Ohkura, who are based on campus. Luisa Santamaria, Ken Frost, Achala KC, Christina Hagerty and Jeremiah Dung are located at research stations throughout the State.
OSU Plant Clinic
The OSU Plant Clinic, a plant diagnostic disease center, housed in Cordley Hall, provides service to growers and the general public. The Insect ID Clinic is located within the OSU Plant Clinic.
OSU Herbarium
The OSU Herbarium directed by Aaron Liston, housed in Cordley Hall, is the largest and most active in Oregon, with worldwide collections of vascular plants, bryophytes, algae and fungi, providing public service through its identification and inquiry program. James Mickley is Curator of the Botanical Collection and Jessie Uehling is Curator of the Mycological Collection.
OregonFlora
OregonFlora shares knowledge about the plant diversity of Oregon. Through its website, and Flora of Oregon books, the program informs researchers, land managers, gardeners, and educators of all ages to the level of detail that meets their needs. Volunteers assist with projects spanning sustainable agricultural land use, data management, and the documenting of plant diversity across the state.
Natural History Discovery Days
Natural History Discovery Days is a highly popular science field trip for about 2000 elementary and middle school students across much of western Oregon. Held at OSU twice each year, faculty and students from Botany and Plant Pathology join other OSU departments to produce and staff displays designed as a fun, educational experience.
Science Connections
Faculty and Students take part in Science Connections, a partnership between OSU and Portland Schools to enhance education in public schools by forging connections between working scientists and teachers and students in schools.
Science Education Partnerships in Science
STEPs, a K-12 program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and an Eisenhower grant is committed to using community scientists to help teachers provide a quality science education for all students. STEPs maintains a database of scientists, currently about 150 volunteers, including faculty from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, who are eager to give presentations, arrange field trips, mentor individual students, and help teachers with classroom science activities.
BPP Botany Club
Among many activities, the BPP Botany Club takes part in Science Night at the Periwinkle Elementary School, Albany.
DNA Biology and Bioinformatics summer camp
Students from 8th-12th grade come to campus and explore the world of modern biology and learn how to examine the complexities of DNA. Through model-building, laboratory experiments and computer analyses – participants gain basic understanding of biology, genetics, biotechnology and bioinformatics.