Your local connection to university research-based information

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Front entrance of Lancaster County Extension building

GRO Big Red Virtual Learning

Learn basic care and selection of Spring Flowering Bulbs you can plant this fall during the next GRO Big Red Virtual Learning webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 14, Noon-1pm. 

RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

4‑H Youth Development

4-H at State Fair

The State Fair ran Friday, Aug. 28–Monday, Sept. 7. Congratulations to the Lancaster County 4-H'ers who entered static exhibits and/or participated in contests and livestock shows!

Teen holding awards with rockets displayed in the background.

Yard & Garden

Nebraska Master Gardener Volunteer Program: 50 Years of Growing

Extension Master Gardeners are volunteers trained through University Extension programs across the U.S., to provide research-based horticultural information to the public. Nebraska Extension organized their own Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program in 1976.

Master Gardener volunteers planting, educating, and collaborating. Artwork says "Master Gardener Volunteer Program • 50 Years • 1976-2026"

Insects, Spiders & More

Bed Bug Task Force Listening Session

Nebraska Extension presented a listening session to gather input from community stakeholders on bed bug challenges, educational needs and opportunities for statewide collaboration. The listening session was the first step in developing a Nebraska Bed Bug Task Force to be comprised of Extension experts, healthcare workers, pest management professionals, etc.

Facebook Post
Group workshop with tables, attendees listening to a speaker holding a bed bug interceptor near a table with a red tablecloth with the Nebraska Extension logo

FEATURED TOPICS

Leaf edge covered in sharp, white ice crystals against a blurred  background.

Is Your Yard Ready for Fall’s First Frost?

Extension Educator Rachel Anderson's latest horticulture column in the Lincoln Journal Star has eight tips to prevent unwanted damage before the cold hits.

Article in Journal Star 

Red-handled canning tools, glass jars, lids and a timer

Food Preservation Resources You Can Trust

Check out Nebraska Extension's canning, freezing, and drying resources for preserving food safely at home. Canning can be a safe and economical way to preserve quality food at home. Freezing foods is easy, quick and convenient. Dried foods need little space for storage. 

food.unl.edu 

Dried soybean field with muddy ground and green trees in the background.

Late Season Rain Impacts to Soybean Seed Quality

Excessive rainfall on mature crops can lead to harvest complications and reduced seed quality. In soybeans, these problems can include lodging, shattering, purple seed stain and even seed decay.

CropWatch Article

Smiling woman holding a certificate, holding a white 4-H balloon against a red background.

Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Kim Kempkes

Kim Kempkes is the Greater Lincoln Obedience Club (GLOC) Training Director and has donated her time and talents to the 4-H dog program for about 5 years. Kim has presented 4-H dog workshops for 3 years teaching youth and their dogs obedience, showmanship, agility coursework and rally.

Kim’s 4-H Contributions

Smiling woman in blue shirt and glasses at a fair, wearing a name tag "Elaine."

Spotlight on a Master Gardener — Elaine Booth

Elaine Booth has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 15 years and has volunteered over 600 hours. Elaine mentors new volunteers, answers phone questions and helps at the Lancaster County Super Fair.

Elaine’s Community Contributions

Support Staff

Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts

Vicki Jedlicka, Publication and Resource Assistant

Vicki has been with Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County for 25 years. Her communication responsibilities include NEBLINE newsletter editor, social media, website, educational materials, design, writing, photography, livestreaming and marketing. She supports all of Extension’s local program areas, including 4-H, yard & garden, health & wellbeing, etc. Vicki enjoys lifelong learning and making a positive impact in the community. 

Vicki Jedlicka smiling in front of leafy green background.

Upcoming Events

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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