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Front entrance of Lancaster County Extension building

4-H at Lancaster County Super Fair

Many 4‑H youth choose to showcase their finished project(s) at the Lancaster County Super Fair. Come see their accomplishments during the 4-H & FFA days July 30–Aug. 2!

RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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.

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

4‑H Youth Development

4-H Robotic Team at International Tournament

The Infinite Horizons 4-H club and FIRST LEGO League robotics team represented Nebraska at the Western Edge Invitational international competition in California on May 29–31. They qualified by being a state finalist at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship.

Facebook Post
Group of boys in red outfits standing by a Nebraska-themed display table indoors.

Health & Wellbeing

Growing Together Garden at ConnectioN Point

Three new raised garden beds were recently installed at ConnectioN Point, bringing the total to eight thriving beds dedicated to growing fresh produce for the Open Shelf Pantry.

Facebook Post
Group gardening near a raised garden bed filled with leafy plants, surrounded by greenery.

FEATURED TOPICS

Brown mosquito resting on a white textured surface.

Mosquitoes: A Bad Summer Buzz

Extension Educator Kait Chapman's tips to protect you and your family from mosquitoes: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Wear long sleeves and pants, when possible, especially at dawn and dusk. Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

Related Article by Jody Green

Bright green poison ivy leaves on a forest floor with dry brown leaves.

Can You Identify Poison Ivy?

Extension Educator Rachel Anderson's latest horticulture column in the Lincoln Journal Star is "How to identify poison ivy and avoid an itchy rash."

Article in Journal Star

Article on Our Website

A collage of two photos. One of yogurt and orange juice pops with wooden sticks on a plate. Second photo of a chocolately creamy mixture topped with banana slices in a white bowl.

June/July Recipes of the Month — Yogurt Freezer Pops and Yummy Choco-Banana “Ice Cream”

Looking for a nutritious treat to enjoy this summer? Try these frozen options to satisfy your summertime sweet cravings! 

Article by Alyssa Havlovic 

Male speaker in black and red shirt with "N Extension" logo, seated in studio with wood and glass backdrop. Overlay text reads John Nelson, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Dicamba Application Restrictions

Several Dicamba products have been approved for soybean producers in 2026. However, there are some important restrictions and guidelines you will need to know before implementing these products. Market Journal and Extension Educator John Nelson review what crop producers need to know.

YouTube Video

Smiling woman with glasses next to green and white balloons, red wall in background.

Heart of 4-H Award Co-Winners — Mindi Clarke

She has volunteered with the horse program for 15 years in a variety of roles, including as organizational and horse project leader for the Mighty Lopers 4-H club. At the Lancaster County Super Fair, Mindy has helped bring livestock for the Roping/Working Ranch Show and helped design trail patterns. 

Mindy's 4-H Contributions

Nutrition Education Program

Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts

Darby Walsh, Extension Assistant

Darby joined Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County in December 2025. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology, with minors in Chemistry and Nutrition, from Midland University. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), she provides nutrition education for youth in Lancaster County. Darby enjoys empowering young community members to make healthy choices that support lifelong well-being.  

Darby Walsh smiling with glasses and long brown hair, wearing a tan sweater, seated near green plants.

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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