4-H Teen Council Lock-In
4th & 5th graders are invited to an overnight disco-themed lock-in on January 23–24, 2026, with games, snacks, movies and fun projects!
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Value to Local Communities
2025 Extension Highlights
Extension connects you with the resources and research of the University of Nebraska. Extension helps people solve real-world problems. Highlighted programs include Nutrition School Enrichment Kits, Nitrogen On-Farm Research, an environmental hazard training and an Early Childhood wellness program.
NEBLINE E-Newsletter
4‑H Youth Development
Two Lancaster 4-H’ers Attend National 4-H Congress
Lancaster County 4-H members Emily Bauman and Khloe Cuttlers were part of a 16-member Nebraska delegation who attended National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga. on Nov. 28–Dec. 2. Khloe said, “My favorite part was learning more about people and learning the differences and similarities of 4-H between different states."
Water & Wastewater
The Science of Groundwater Movement
At the request of Norris School District #160 teacher Katy Dornbos, Extension Associate Becky Schuerman and UNL School of Natural Resources Professor Troy Gilmore taught 74 Advanced Placement Chemistry students about the movement of groundwater and contaminants by using interactive flow models.
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FEATURED TOPICS
2026 Pesticide Applicator Trainings
If you have a pesticide applicators license expiring April 2026 — either private or commercial, or you need to get a new license — classes begin soon. Make plans now to participate in the training option that best fits your needs.
January/February Recipe of the Month — Acorn Squash, Cranberry & Kale Salad
Try this recipe packed with nutrients and antioxidants to boost health and wellbeing and help prevent cancer and chronic diseases.
4-H Thanks 2025 Sponsors
The Lancaster County 4-H program — a partnership between Nebraska Extension and the Lancaster County government — would like to thank all of the businesses, organizations and individuals who sponsored 4-H events, activities, programs and trophies during the 2025 4-H year.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Russ Parrott
Russ Parrott has volunteered in a variety of roles for 10 years, including as a parent helper with Little Green Giants 4‑H club and serving as a chaperone for 4‑H Teen Council’s annual overnight Lock-In for 4th & 5th graders. Russ is the current president of Lancaster County 4‑H Council, and helps with Council’s food stand and chicken dinner fundraisers at the Lancaster County Super Fair.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Spotlight — Gary Wells
Gary Wells has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 14 years and has volunteered over 500 hours. Gary is co-chair of the Youth Committee and has assisted in building compost bins and game boards for Extension programs.
Upcoming Events
Support Staff
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Haley Hogue, Office Associate
Haley has been with Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County since March 2024. She supports several programs, including Health & Wellbeing, Early Childhood, and 4-H, assisting with various administrative tasks, including invoicing, purchasing, and other daily office operations. Haley holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is passionate about supporting Extension programs and their positive impact on the community.
