Hello, I am  Brad Withrow-Robinson, the current author of this blog. I work for Oregon State University Extension Service as Forestry & Natural Resources Extension agent serving Linn, Benton and Polk Counties, based in Corvallis.

TreeTopics is a means to communicate information and share perspectives with woodland owners and other people interested in forest management in our area. Comments and feedback are welcome. We encourage readers to subscribe to receive new postings via email. Here’s a link to do that.

The blog was started by Amy Grotta, who was the county agent for Columbia, Washington and Yamhill Counties for 10 years before passing away in 2019. Her work lives on and remains accessible here since many of the most clever, better written and most frequently viewed articles were written by Amy.

Thanks for visiting the blog.

And the fine print:

Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Forestry Pesticide Disclaimers:

Trade-name products are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the Oregon State University Extension Service either endorses these products or intends to discriminate against products not mentioned.

Use pesticides safely!

• Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
• Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
• Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.