Nebraska Extension is your local connection to university research-based information. Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County is a partnership between Lancaster County, University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We extend knowledge, provide solutions and change lives... Continue reading…
Investing in our youth is an investment in our future! In 2018, growth continued in the Lancaster County 4-H program, with a 7% increase in numbers of youth reached. Tufts University research shows youth development programs, such as 4-H, reduce the likelihood of youth engaging in risk/problem... Continue reading…
New this year, staff from the Nutrition Education Program and Extension’s horticulture program collaborated to develop Learning Gardens at both Head Start locations in Lincoln. Continue reading…
Extension Educators Jody Green (second from left) and Sarah Browning (far right) make frequent appearances on Nebraska Extension’s popular gardening TV show. In 2018, the show’s YouTube channel grew by 30% in number of views and watch time, for the first time reaching over 1 million total views... Continue reading…
Extension Educator Tyler Williams helps producers manage the impact weather and climate have on agricultural production, not only in Lancaster County but across the world. He organized and was a presenter at the third annual Successful Farmer Series. Continue reading…
Lancaster County piloted Nebraska Extension’s
My Youth Preparedness Initiative (MyPI) in 2018. Nine teens participated in 40 hours of training, and learned how to respond to disasters, use emergency response equipment and render first aid. Continue reading…
Last year, Extension Educator Jaci Foged taught or coordinated 95 workshops for local child-care providers. Total attendance was 1,512, generating 280 in-service hours approved by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services. Continue reading…
Extension Educator Meghan Sittler served as Extension’s statewide coordinator whose duties included collaborating with other organizations, developing resources and teaching (pictured teaching an H20 Adventure workshop for youth). Continue reading…
Nebraska Extension has developed kits for use in K–5 classrooms to help teachers instruct students about health, nutrition and physical activity. The kits include lessons and supplies for hands-on activities. Extension staff also present hands-on lessons in the classrooms. Continue reading…
In 2018, Extension Educator Kayla Colgrove co-managed two statewide programs funded by National 4-H Council grants: 4-H Food Smart Families and 4-H Healthy Habits. In Lancaster County, 6 staff members and 7 teen ambassadors delivered 17 programs to 448 K–12th grade students for at least 6 hours... Continue reading…
36,520 youth are engaged in 4-H programs, including clubs, school enrichment, after-school/summer sites and camps. Participating in the 4-H positive youth development program provides youth an opportunity to grow their “Youth Voice.” Continue reading…
With 53 clubs ranging from 5 to 105 youth members, clubs are an important part of the Lancaster County 4-H program. 4-H clubs are led by adult volunteers, often hold regular meetings, elect youth officers, recite the 4-H pledge, learn together and do community-service projects. Continue reading…
At the 2018 Super Fair, over 750 4-H/FFA exhibitors showcased over 5,400 exhibits (including static exhibits, animals, contest entries and Clover Kids exhibits). The Super Fair provides 4-H youth an opportunity to showcase the projects they’ve worked on throughout the year. Continue reading…
Now in its 22nd year, Clover College is 4 days of hands-on workshops. This year, 170 youth attended 59 workshops with a total 960 class registrations. Nearly 70 volunteer instructors were involved. Pictured is the Tunnel Adventure workshop, where youth learned about healthy soil and its components.
Last year, 54 after-school and summer-site programs included 4-H projects and activities in their program. Pictured is Extension Assistant Teri Hlava leading youth in a Trash to Treasure activity repurposing greeting cards at The Salvation Army of Lincoln’s after-school program.
Lancaster County 4-H presents several programs in local schools, including: Garbology (2nd grade), Embryology (3rd grade), Ag Literacy Festival (4th grade), Earth Wellness Festival (5th grade), Nutrition Education Program (K–5th grades in qualifying Lincoln Public Schools) and... Continue reading…
In 2018, Extension’s estimated 2,300 volunteers gave 29,234 total hours of service worth $684,076* to our community! Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County benefits from these volunteers who help extend the reach of programs such as 4-H, Master Gardeners and MyPI Disaster Preparedness Training. Continue reading…
“Dr. Jody Green from the Lancaster County Extension office has been a great help to our maintenance department. We often take in different insects and spiders for identification which then helps us determine possible treatment options. Dr. Green spoke to a group of our tenants about bed bug... Continue reading…
“Westminster Preschool has been fortunate to have the support of the UNL Extension early childhood development staff to supplement our classroom with new experiences. These hands-on materials allowed us to put the learning and discovery process in the kids’ hands! The tools provided were... Continue reading…
“I did MyPI to help myself and my family be better prepared for emergencies. One requirement for graduation was to help our families and six additional families train and prepare for emergencies, letting us apply our new skills to help our community. I feel safer knowing that in an emergency... Continue reading…
“I’m extremely grateful to be a part of 4-H, an organization that has allowed me to work and grow alongside other youth under the mentorship of wonderful staff. Through various service projects, I’ve learned the value in giving back to the community and want to continue to do so. The leadership... Continue reading…
“My wife and I use Extension programs like the Successful Farmer Series and the Ag Land Management workshop to better understand — and keep up-to-date on — what is going on. We also call the Extension office for help on insect and weed problems for crops and pastures, as well as trees.” Continue reading…
“I learned many healthy and delicious recipes from the nutrition classes. Now the meals in my family are low-sodium and low-fat — and the sugar consumption is also cut down. I share what I learned with my friends. Dana [Extension Associate] is professional and friendly, and she always made... Continue reading…