This web site was created by five Cal Poly students in the hopes of providing useful information about the poison oak plant. Poison oak plants are very common in the San Luis Obispo and especially around the Cal Poly campus. Many people at Cal Poly may come into contact with the Poison Oak plant without knowing they have brushed upon this toxic plant. Hikers, runners, and even equestriennes may encounter the plant in common areas such as Poly Canyon Road . It is possible that students traveling to and from the Business building walked right through it on a regular basis. Since the plant can be a part of the daily lives for many, if not most, of Cal Poly attendees, if more people such as students, faculty, and guests are aware of this plant and the results of incidental contact with the poison oak plant, they may be able to avoid the plant and the consequences of contact with it .

By following the internet links provided throughout this website, one can find facts about poison oak, what the plant appearance is during this region's different seasons, how to prevent a rash from incidental contact with the plant, how to treat a rash if one develops, and some interesting positive uses of the plant by the Native Chumash Indians had for this plant. Also provided on this website is a link to a short video from Dr. Dean O'Dell which provides a brief summery to this plant.

After you have browsed through the information within this website, you might want to try the poison oak quiz/game by following the appropriate web link. Test your knowledge about recognizing Poison Oak. By having a little fun with the quiz/game, you might save your skin from a rash by avoiding poison oak.

Facts

Seasonal Change

Products\Treatment

Native American "Chumash" Usage

Quiz/Game