Toxic Plants in PNW Pastures Online Course Offered

Toxic Plants in PNW Pastures
1 Credit Online Only Class
CSS 418

Instructor: Andrew Hulting, Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist
Department of Crop and Soil Science

Office Hours: No official office hours. An online discussion forum will be developed.

Course Description: Many harmful weeds can thrive and persist in pastures and be detrimental to
human and livestock health causing significant economic impacts. This class will describe many
important poisonous plants found in Pacific Northwest pastures and throughout the country and to
lesser extent rangelands. Participants will discuss the identifying characteristics of each plant, the life
history strategies and growth stages of each plant, toxins found in each plant and symptoms of
poisoning in humans and livestock. A general understanding of the ecology and biology of these
weeds is fundamental for determining the best management and control options available.

Blackboard: This course will be delivered via Blackboard, your online learning community,
where you will interact with your classmates and with me. Within the course Blackboard site you
will access the learning materials, tutorials, and syllabus; discuss issues; submit assignments;
email other students and the instructor; participate in online activities; and display your projects.
To preview how an online course works, visit the Ecampus Course Demo. For technical
assistance, Blackboard and otherwise, see http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/services/technicalhelp.
htm.

Target Audience: Upper level undergraduate and graduate students, agribusiness professionals and
small or large-acreage landowners and livestock producers seeking various continuing education
certifications.

Prerequisites: College level plant biology and/or plant taxonomy courses.

But Not Required Texts:
Cheeke, P.R. and L.R. Shull. Natural Toxicants in Feeds and Poisonous Plants. AVI Pub. Co., 1985.
Burrows, G.E and R.J. Tyrl. Handbook of Toxic Plants of North America. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
2006.