This webinar discusses the
2nd and enlarged edition of The Socrates Project - Poisonous Plants in Virginia. Twenty-five Plants that grow in the wild in Virginia are discussed in this publication, including the plant's description, where it may be found, what part(s) of the plant are toxic, common symptoms, and look-alikes. Each discussion of a plant is accompanied by pictures of that plant, most of which were taken by VMN volunteers.
Presenters
Christopher P. Holstege, M.D. is a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine. He also directs the Blue Ridge Poison Center and is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
Alfred Goossens (VMN volunteer, Old Rag Chapter) grew up in The Netherlands where he earned a BSc in Tropical and sub-Tropical Agriculture. He became a flavor chemist (flavorist) and came to the US in 1968. He worked and lived with his family in a number of countries all over the world, on assignment for a US company, and after retirement settled in Virginia. He is the Project Leader of The Socrates Project.
Don Hearl (VMN volunteer, Old Rag Chapter) was born and raised in the mountains of southwest Virginia where he learned about herbs and poisonous plants from his parents. He is retired from ESS, an environmental services and analytical laboratory company, serving as vice president for 47 years. He is also past president of the Old Rag Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program.
Bill Birkhofer (VMN volunteer, Old Rag Chapter): Following a lengthy career in the global engineering and construction industry, Bill retired to his home in Madison ,Virginia and became a Master Naturalist and a member of Old Rag Master Naturalists in 2017. As a citizen-scientist with ORMN, he is active in Virginia Working Landscapes grassland plant, pollinator and bird surveying, and joined the Socrates team as an author in 2019. In his “ spare” time, he is involved in pollinator meadow development and management. He is a Certified Master Naturalist.