Introductory Field Crop Scout Training
This hands-on training for crop scouting will be presented on Tuesday May 19, 9 a.m.–4:40 p.m. at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca.
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Yard & Garden
Master Gardener Helpline
Master Garders are back for the growing season to take your yard and garden questions! You can ask Extension Master Gardener Volunteers yard & garden questions via phone or walk-in at the Extension office, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln). You can also bring in specimens for plant or disease identification and management recommendations.
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4‑H Youth Development
Teens Discover Their Spark at Ignite by 4‑H National Conference
Extension Educator Tracy Anderson recently helped chaperone a group of Nebraska 4‑H’ers attending the Ignite by 4‑H conference in Washington, D.C. Four Lancaster County 4‑H’ers were part of the group: Abby Bauer, Adam Gabel, Morgan Gabel and Aiden Powers.
NEBLINE article
Health & Wellbeing
Growing Together: Cultivating Nutrition Security
At Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, gardening has become a cornerstone of nutrition security efforts, helping individuals not only access healthy food, but also learn how to grow, prepare and share it.
NEBLINE article
FEATURED TOPICS
Wildfires at Our Doorstep: What Lancaster County Residents Need to Know
Although eastern Nebraska usually has a lower wildfire risk, these recent fires are a reminder that wildfires can happen anywhere in the state and during any season. Everyone is encouraged to take steps now to prepare their families, homes, acreages and farms.
Support 4-H During Give to Lincoln Day
Lancaster County 4-H Council is one of the nonprofits the community can give to during “Give to Lincoln Day” on May 28. Annually, Lancaster County 4-H engages over 37,000 youth through clubs, classrooms, after-school/summer sites and other programs. Online donations between May 1 and May 28 count toward the event.
May Recipe of the Month — Refreshing Watermelon Salad
One of the first plants we can grow at the start of the growing season in Nebraska are leafy greens. They can be planted as early as April and can also be grown and harvested all season long! A unique salad to try with leafy greens is this Refreshing Watermelon Salad.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Brad Philson
A 4‑H volunteer for over 10 years, he is one of two head coaches for the Southwest Lincoln 4‑H Trap Club and is a certified shotgun instructor. The club participates in Eastern Cornhusker Trapshooting Conference shoots, various 4‑H competitions and has participated at the 4‑H Shooting Sports National Championships held in Grand Island.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Spotlight — Eve Hoffman
Eve Hoffman has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 21 years and has volunteered over 900 hours. Eve mentors new volunteers, teaches youth how to garden and serves as a judge at the Lancaster County Super Fair.
Upcoming Events
Support Staff
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Olivia Lentfer, Office Associate
Olivia Lentfer began working for Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County in September of 2025. In her role, she supports the 4-H youth development program and assists with daily front desk operations. Olivia has a lifelong connection to agriculture and youth programs, having been actively involved in both 4-H and FFA. Through these experiences, she developed a love for agricultural education. Olivia is a strong advocate for Nebraska Extension programs and is truly passionate about the contributions she makes within Lancaster County.
