Launch Your 4-H Journey
Attend this special event on Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. to discover how youth ages 5–18 can get involved in hands-on projects and fun opportunities. There will be free hot dogs, refreshments and door prizes!
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
4‑H Youth Development
4-H at Super Fair
The 2025 Lancaster County Super Fair was held July 31–Aug. 9 at the Sandhills Global Event Center. 4-H & FFA is a big part of the first weekend of the fair, giving youth an opportunity to showcase projects they’ve worked on throughout the year. At this year’s Super Fair, 549 4-H & FFA exhibitors entered 4,765 exhibits (including static exhibits, Clover Kids, animals and contest entries).
Agriculture
On-Farm Research Trial About Nitrogen Rates on Corn
A Waverly farmer collaborated with Extension Education John Nelson on an on-farm research trial testing lower nitrogen rates. The study showed cutting down the nitrogen rates saved input costs and helped reduce the amount of nitrate entering the water supply. Elizabeth Hodges wrote about the research trial in a "Nebraska Farmer" article.
Read Article on farmprogress.com
Food, Nutrition & Health
Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
During the 2024–25 school year, Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition School Enrichment Kit (SEK) program brought healthy fun to the classroom — reaching 17,694 K–5 students across 41 Lincoln Public Schools. Pictured are Extension Educator Alyssa Havlovic and Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Extension Assistant Hannah Schielke guiding third graders at Campbell Elementary School through a trail mix-making activity using whole grains, dried fruit and seeds.
Read More About SEK on Facebook
FEATURED TOPICS
Tips for Your Storm Damaged Trees
Every summer storms roll across the Great Plains, and this year has been no exception with high winds leaving damage in their wake, but many homeowners are unsure what to do about storm damage or the best techniques to minimize long-term effects in their trees.
Master Gardener Helpline
During the growing season, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your yard and garden questions Monday-Friday, 9am–Noon. You can also drop off plant samples for free diagnostic and control recommendations at Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln, Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm.
Summertime’s Natural Light Show: Fireflies
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.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Kent Kennedy
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 4‑H club. Kent volunteers at the annual 4‑H Shooting Sports National Championships, which has been held in Grand Island for the past 4 years.
Upcoming Events
Support Staff
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Chris Rosenthal, Cleaning & Repairs Worker
Chris helps keep the Extension building in top shape. He sets up rooms for meetings/programs, handles repairs and maintenance, and keeps spaces clean and well-supplied. From picking up orders to managing daily details, Chris plays a key role in ensuring the facility is always ready for events.
