University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County
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Extending the University’s Research-Based Resources to You:

Extending the University of Nebraska's Resources to YouUniversity of Nebraska Cooperative Extension accomplishes the University’s land-grant mission by delivering reliable, research-based information that you can use every day. We develop and deliver educational programs which strengthen individuals, families, businesses and communities:

  • Nutrition & Food Safety: Nutrition, food safety and food preparation, Stretching food dollars

  • Pests & Wildlife: Insect pest identification, Low-toxic solutions, Wildlife educational resources

  • 4-H & Youth Development

  • Yard & Garden: Horticulture education, Plant problem diagnosis, Master Gardener volunteers, Managing water resources

  • Farms & Acreages: Farm management, Crop & livestock production, Acreage owner programs, Managing water resources

  • Home Environment: Indoor air quality, Home maintenance & safety

  • Community & Leadership Development: Neighborhoods, Organizations, 4-H & Youth, Families, Family & Community Education Clubs (FCE)

 

Rapid Response to Local Needs

Disaster Recovery, Storm Information Web siteStorm Recovery Resources

On May 22, 2004, severe storms -- including tornadoes -- damaged or destroyed many homes, businesses and farmsteads in Nebraska, including Lancaster County.

The next day, UNL Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County created a storm recovery section on its Web site, which continues to be updated with resources on:

  • inspecting homes for structural damage
  • evaluating damage to trees; pruning tips
  • assessing hail, wind and flood damage to crops
  • clean-up guidelines and tips
  • weather safety information
  • links to other University of Nebraska resources, local government Web sites, local agencies and national resources

These resources have received 17,920 hits. (statistical period: May 23, 2004 to September 31, 2004)

Extension staff and university specialists also sent relevant information to local media and responded to many storm-related inquiries from residents. In June, extension joined the Nebraska Disaster Recovery Organization which was created to help people with unmet needs.

Itch Mite Epidemic Hits Lincoln

Itch Mite Epidemic Hits Lincoln, NebraskaUNL Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County staff, health department officials and university specialists worked together to determine and solve this year’s epidemic of mystery bites in Lincoln.

In early September, Lancaster County Extension began receiving phone calls about unusual itchy bug bites. Staff identified a pattern to these calls and contacted UNL’s Entomology Department and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department -- who confirmed they were also receiving similar calls.

Extension sent out a media release and collected information from callers. Within a couple weeks, university specialists identified the source of the bites as microscopic mites, Pyemotes herfsi -- also called “itch mites” -- which prey on the small fly maggots causing “leaf edge” galls on pin oak leaves. This mite species was new in the United States, previously known to exist only in Europe. (To read the entire story, visit the Web site)

 

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University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County
444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln Nebraska 68528-1507
Phone: 402-441-7180 | Web Site: http://lancaster.unl.edu

4-H & Youth | Agriculture & Acreage | Environment & Natural Resources | Community & Family Living
Food: Safety, Nutrition & Cooking | Gardening | Home Environment |
Insects, Spiders, Mice & More | Nutrition Education Program | NEBLINE Newsletter

Parents, Teachers and Students: Consider the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County Confidentiality Statement

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.