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Front entrance of Lancaster County Extension building

GRO Big Red Virtual Learning

Vegetable Garden Insect Pests is the next webinar in this monthly series on Wednesday, April 8, Noon-1 p.m. 

Recent Program Highlights

RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

4‑H Youth Development

Youth and Volunteers Recognized at 4-H Achievement Celebration

Congratulations to the Lancaster County 4-H youth members, clubs and leaders who were recognized at the recent 4-H Achievement Celebration. Some of the awards presented included Community Service Awards, Diamond Clover Award and Nebraska 4-H Clubs of Excellence.

List of Award Recipients
A group of two rows of youth holding certificates that say Community Service

Water & Cropping Systems

Data From the Field: On-Farm Research

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a collaborative research program designed to be “by farmers, for farmers.” In the 2025 season, 11 projects were conducted in cooperation with Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping Systems Educators John Nelson, Ritika Lamichhane, Matheus Ribeiro and Mailson Freire de Oliveira in Southeast Nebraska.

NEBLINE E-Newsletter
Field showing visual differences in the corn canopy health between fungicide treatments. Another image showings  treatment layout showing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Key says On-farm Trial 08/23/2025. Values range from .876162 to .376705

Health & Wellbeing

Food is Medicine Event at Asian Community Center

The Vietnamese Senior Group at the Asian Community & Cultural Center recently participated in a special “Food Is Medicine” event focused on healthy eating and community wellness. This event was made possible through a three-way partnership between the Asian Community & Cultural Center, Bryan Health and Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County. 

Facebook Post
A room full of senior citizens sitting at tables doing thumbs up

FEATURED TOPICS

A female presenter standing next to a podium and projection screen

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 — plan the training option that best fits your needs. A few in-person classes will be presented through the end of March.

Pesticide License Options

A woman looking excitedly with three young children at an incubator with eggs

Hatching Program for Childcare Providers

In Nebraska Extension’s Look Who’s Hatching program, childcare providers with preschool-age children have a hands-on learning adventure of hatching chicks or ducklings! Extension loans the necessary items (incubator, chicken or duck eggs, and brooder box) and an emergent curriculum. There is a small fee for the program. 

Article by Jaci Foged

Photos of two food recipes: Bell Pepper Nachos and Berry Good Overnight Oatmeal

March/April Recipes of the Month — Bell Pepper Nachos and Berry Good Overnight Oatmeal

These recipes highlight colorful ways to add more fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Bell Pepper Nachos provide a crunchy alternative to chips, while Berry Good Overnight Oatmeal makes it simple to start the day with fruit and fiber.

Article by Kayla Colgrove 

A smiling woman holding 2 balloons with 4-H logos and a certificate that says "Heart of 4-H Award"

Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Carolyn Eschliman

She started by judging 4‑H crochet and knitting at the Lancaster County Super Fair and Nebraska State Fair. For the past 12 years, she has helped 4-H sewists during sewing help sessions, giving guidance and helping solve problems.

Carolyn's 4-H Contributions

A smiling woman sitting at a desk

Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Spotlight — Lori Swiatek

Lori Swiatek has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 2 years and has volunteered over 100 hours. Lori has volunteered at Discovery Days and teaches students about gardening at the Beattie Elementary School garden.

Lori's Community Contributions
 

Upcoming Events

Support Staff

Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts

Amber Reinkordt, Office Associate

Amber has been with Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County since March 2024. From welcoming walk-ins and answering phone calls to supporting program areas (namely Horticulture, Entomology, Agriculture and 4-H), she helps ensure both staff and community members have what they need. Her work includes a variety of administrative responsibilities and assisting with daily office operations. Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is passionate about supporting Extension programs and takes pride in contributing to their meaningful, positive impact on the Lancaster County community. 

Image of Amber Reinkordt, Office Associate at Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
IN 2025
$ 789,000
was the value of 25,000 hours of service given by 2,200 Extension volunteers.
IN 2025
37,555
youth were engaged in 4-H programs through clubs, workshops, schools and community sites.
IN 2025
7,000 +
questions were answered by horticulture, entomology and water experts via emails, phone calls and walk-ins.

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