Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

woman in classroom talking to young kids who are making pudding in cups

Extension's School Enrichment Nutrition Kit Program for Students K–5

several boys and girls making lego vehicles with sails

55 Workshops in 4 Days at 4-H Clover College

three people harvesting produce in raised garden beds

Master Gardeners Harvest Produce to Donate to Local Food Pantries

Nebraska Extension is your local connection to university research-based information. We extend knowledge, provide solutions and change lives.

Lots of tables with homemade cookies in bags and youth talking to adult judges

4-H at the Lancaster County Super Fair

Many 4-H youth choose to showcase their projects at county and state fairs. The Lancaster County Super Fair will be 10 days of fun, August 1–10. 4-H exhibits and events will be the first 4 days, August 1–4. 4-H Horse Shows will run July 31–August 4. Plan to come see the amazing accomplishments of local youth!

Southern Rust of Corn is Here

As of July 19, southern rust has been confirmed in several counties in Nebraska, including the eastern and central part of the state. This year, the disease development occurred earlier than usual and has spread further north than it typically does. Read more in the Crop Tech Cafe blog.

What Are Grubs?

“Almost every gardener has seen grub larvae in the soil while installing new plants or tilling the vegetable garden. The term "white grub" actually encompasses the larval stage of several scarab beetles, the most common and most damaging, being the June beetle/masked chafer and the Japanese beetle. Less well-known, are the May/June beetle and green June beetle...” says Extension Educator Sarah Browning. Read more in Horticulture News.

bowl with rice, potatoes, peas and other ingredients

June/July Recipe of the Month — Biryani

Extension Emily Gratopp says, “A traditional Middle Eastern recipe that will be featured in the developing infant and toddler nutrition education materials is Biryani. This recipe is most commonly eaten with Jajic and, together, they include all MyPlate food groups in a delicious combination.” See recipe in the NEBLINE e-newsletter.

eight youth practicing changing diapers on realistic dolls

Babysitting Clinic on July 30 – FULL

Extension Educator Emily Manning will present a Babysitting Clinic open to youth ages 10–15 on Tuesday, July 30. It will be from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Cost is $35 per participant. Clinic is full, but we have a wait list in case of a cancelation. More details.

Monthly Heart of 4-H Award Winner

Jessica Marsh

head shot of a woman wearing a business blazer

Lancaster County 4-H is proud to announce Jessica Marsh as winner of the July “Heart of 4-H Award” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. Read about her contributions to 4-H!

Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts

Zahraa Rida, Extension Assistant

Nutrition Education Program in Lancaster County

Zahraa works with the Nutrition Education Program in Lancaster County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Damascus in Syria. Zahraa’s focus is not only on nutrition education, but also is supporting immigrants and newcomers adapting to life in the United States. To reach a variety of different groups, she partners with organizations such as the Asian Community and Cultural Center, Good Neighbor Center, Indian Center, Center for People, and El Centro de las Americas. In Zahraa’s first year at Extension, she has taught nearly 300 New Americans (including Afghan, Iraqi, Sudanese, Burmese and various Asian groups) with over 2,000 hours of nutrition education classes!

See entire list of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County staff