Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County - NEBLINE - Aug./Sept. 2025
Adult firefly (upper left, magnified) and firefly larvae (lower left, magnified). (Left two photos by UNL Dept. of Entomology; right photo by Takashi Ota; center photo by soupstock, stock.adobe.com)
Summertime evenings and nights are a great time to enjoy nature’s light show: fireflies. Also sometimes called “lightning bugs,” fireflies are neither flies nor true bugs — they are beetles that have a magnificent way of communicating with one another using bioluminescence. Continue reading…
Collecting insects with children is a simple and joyful way to introduce them to science and the wonders of the natural world. Whether it’s a glowing firefly, a fuzzy caterpillar or a jumping grasshopper, insects are everywhere and offer countless teachable moments. Continue reading…
In Lancaster County, a team of nutrition educators is laying the foundation for lifelong health — one meal, one lesson and one trusted relationship at a time. At the core of this work is a dynamic partnership between two federally funded programs: the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program... Continue reading…
Looking for a refreshing, healthy dessert this summer? Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips will be a favorite for children and adults alike. It’s a perfect dish to share at summer gatherings. Continue reading…
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a workshop for farm and ranch landowners, landlords, and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate and best practices for leasing and managing land... Continue reading…
The Perennial Plant Association has named blunt mountain mint, (Pycnanthemum muticum), as Perennial Plant of the Year for 2025. A native to the eastern United States, this plant is a herbaceous perennial wildflower in the mint family. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators... Continue reading…
By planning and planting a fall vegetable garden, it is possible to have fresh vegetables up to, and even past, the first frosts. Many varieties of vegetables can be planted in mid- to late-summer for fall harvests. Succession plantings of warm-season crops, such as corn and beans, can be harvested Continue reading…
Do you want to know how to turn your yard and garden waste into beneficial compost? Or do you want a refresher? Or do you want a refresher? Nebraska Extension will present a composting demonstration on Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 10 a.m. at Pioneers Park Nature Center’s backyard Continue reading…
September is a good time to root cuttings from annual bedding plants such as begonias, coleus, geraniums and impatiens. These plants can be overwintered in a sunny window and provide plants for next year’s garden.
Many herbs self-sow if the flowers are not removed. Dill produce seeds that fall... Continue reading…
Let the good times grow! The Lancaster County Super Fair will be July 31–Aug. 9 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln. 4‑H & FFA Exhibits & Events will be July 31–Aug. 3 and 4-H Horse Shows will run July 30–Aug. 3. Continue reading…
4‑H Council’s food stand at the Super Fair features a variety of snacks and beverages, including the popular “Walking Taco,” snow cones and cotton candy! The Clover Cafe (in the Ag Society Hall) and the Horseshoe Cafe (in the FR8Star Pavilion) will be open July 31–Aug. 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. ... Continue reading…
Lancaster County 4‑H Council is hosting a Chicken Dinner on Friday, Aug. 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the South Hall - Lancaster County Farm Bureau Room (enter Gate 3 off Havelock, park near South Hall). Dinner features Slim Chickens chicken tenders, side dishes and dessert! Continue reading…
4‑H Clover College is a four-day series of hands-on workshops for youth presented by Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County. The emphasis is on science, agricultural literacy, healthy living, career development and citizenship/leadership. Continue reading…
The 2025 statewide 4‑H Companion Animal Challenge was held during the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) at University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus on June 17–18. Youth had the opportunity to display their companion animal knowledge through six contests. Continue reading…
The 2025 statewide Nebraska 4‑H Premiere Communication Event was held on June 19–20 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus. Two hundred and fifteen 4‑H’ers from 53 counties across the state competed in five communication events. Continue reading…
Congratulations to the two Lancaster County 4‑H Clubs who received Nebraska 4‑H Foundation’s “Hands for Larger Service” awards: Fusion 4‑H’ers and 4‑H Teen Council. Each club will receive a $500 grant to be used for a service project ... Continue reading…
Hope Bauman is receiving Lancaster County 4‑H’s August “Heart of 4‑H Award” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. She has helped in a variety of ways for 6 years, including as leader of the Southern Lancaster Kids 4‑H club ... Continue reading…
Kent Kennedy is receiving Lancaster County 4‑H’s September “Heart of 4‑H Award” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. Since 2020, he has helped with the 4‑H Shooting Sports program as a project leader and a certified pistol instructor for the Lincoln Shooting Stars ... Continue reading…
Are you a 7th–12th grader looking for a fun way to build leadership skills, make new friends and give back to your community? Join the Lancaster County 4‑H Teen Council! Teen Council members plan and participate in a variety of hands-on activities, community service projects and leadership ... Continue reading…
Congratulations to Elizabeth Thiltges who was promoted to Extension Associate effective July 1! She joined Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County as an Extension Assistant in January 2022. Continue reading…
EXTENSION INTERNS
Three full-time college interns are helping with ongoing summer programming, including contests, Clover College, Lancaster County Super Fair and other activities.
• Cameryn Brandt assists Extension Associate Kristin Geisert ... Continue reading…
Upcoming 4-H events and deadlines are published in the "4‑H - Lancaster County" weekly e‑newsletter. Enrolled 4‑H families receive this e-newsletter every Friday. Anyone can view it at https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/4h-lancaster
Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County upcoming events are listed in our online event calendar at events.unl.edu/lancaster. View by week, month, year or upcoming.
The NEBLINE newsletter is published by Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County and is available in print, e‑newsletter, PDF and audio versions. Learn more at lancaster.unl.edu/nebline.