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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

Lincoln Public Schools Celebrates 50 Years of Embryology

An idea hatched 50 years ago at Hill Elementary School is continuing to produce golden moments for thousands of Lincoln Public Schools students. The partnership between LPS and Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County has continued to provide lifetime memories. (Photo courtesy of LPS)

LPS News Article
Woman holding an egg up to a flashlight as three girls look at the glowing egg

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

Burnt tree in middle of burning brush with lots of smoke

Wildfire Support

Nebraska Extension is here to support you. 

Garden tools in front of a flower bed. Text reads Backyard Farmer, Nebraska Public Media

Backyard Farmer is Back for 74th Season!

Extension's Backyard Farmer television show assists you with all of your gardening needs. It airs April–September on Nebraska Public Media every Thursday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. In addition, past features and episodes are available for viewing on the program’s YouTube channel and as a free podcast. Extension Educator Kait Chapman is a regular panelist.

Backyard Farmer Website

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 

Elderly woman holding two balloons and a certificate that says April 2026 Heart of 4-H Award

Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Betty Lou Doty

In recent years, she has helped 4‑H volunteer Kath Conroy during sewing help sessions for Lancaster County 4‑H’ers held at the Sewing Centre of Lincoln (formerly the Bernina Sewing Center). Previously, she volunteered with Saline County 4‑H as a parent helper with her daughter’s 4‑H club.

Betty'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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