Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | | Pollinator Habitat Certification Program | |
The Nebraska Extension Pollinator Habitat Certification Program is designed to increase the number of pollinator-friendly habitat fragments across the state. By restoring available spaces with native plants and providing season-long food and nesting resources, the program helps support local and migratory pollinators while strengthening regional ecosystems and improving pollination of locally grown foods.
Ready to make a difference for pollinators? Whether you have a backyard, acreage, school grounds, business landscape, or community space, you can help create habitat that supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Learn how to get your property certified and find resources to get started by visiting the Nebraska Pollinator Habitat Certification Program website:
https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/plants-and-bugs/pollinator-habitat-certification/
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County Fair Time!
The County fairs brings communities together through education, entertainment, and traditions that showcase the best of Nebraska. Join us this summer at the Douglas and Sarpy County Fairs!
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Douglas County Fair
The public is invited to participate by entering their best homemade goods, photography, quilts, and other exhibits that showcase their talents and creativity. Visitors can stop by our "Ask the Master Gardener" table, explore interactive booths focused on Health and Wellbeing, 4-H Youth Development, and Early Childhood, and discover educational displays featuring research-based information from Nebraska Extension.
Where: Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St, Ralston
Dates: July 18-19 2026
Learn more at https://www.douglascountyfair.org
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Sarpy County Fair
The public is invited to explore 4-H projects, enjoy animal shows, and participate in our 4-H Passport program, where you can learn about the fair and 4-H. Complete the passport to win fun prizes.
Visitors can also stop by our "Ask the Master Gardener" table to get answers to their gardening questions.
Douglas-Sarpy 4-H members will exhibit their projects in the 4-H Building, and Sarpy County residents are welcome to participate through Open Class entries.
Where: Sarpy County Fairgrounds, 100 Main Street, Springfield
Dates: July 30 – August 3, 2025
Learn more at https://sarpyfair.com
| | | July Classes Are in Full Swing, Come Learn With Us! | |
Aging with Confidence: Protection and Preparedness for Older Adults
Join us for a free educational presentation designed to help older adults stay safe, informed, and prepared.
July 7, 2026
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
8015 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
Nebraska Extension will also share practical tips on emergency preparedness and creating a plan for unexpected events. Then an attorney from Elder Law of Omaha will discuss how older adults can protect themselves from scams, financial exploitation, and other everyday risks.
Free to attend
Open to everyone
Please RSVP by July 3, 2026:
402-444-7804 or via email at rwright4@unl.edu
Knowledge is one of the best tools for staying safe, independent, and confident. We hope to see you there!
Recognizing Tree Hazards and Non-Hazards
When: July 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CT
Presented by: John Fech, Nebraska Extension Educator
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required
Trees provide many benefits to our landscapes, but potential hazards should be identified and properly addressed. During the presentation, Nebraska Extension Educator John Fech will discuss how to recognize possible tree defects, understand common tree hazards and non-hazards, and determine when professional assistance may be needed.
Nebraska Extension will provide practical guidance to help participants make informed decisions about tree care and safety while protecting the health, value, and longevity of their landscape trees.
Register to receive the Zoom link at: https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/gro-big-red/
2026 Virtual Food Preservation Series
When: July–September 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CT
Presented by: Nebraska Extension
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required
Join the 2026 Virtual Food Preservation Series, a free set of educational webinars designed to help participants learn safe, research-based methods for preserving food at home. Topics include freezing, pressure canning, salsa and tomato canning, pickling, and preserving squash and pumpkin.
These sessions will provide practical guidance, answer common food preservation questions, and help participants build confidence in preserving foods safely and successfully.
Class Dates & Topics:
- July 15, 2026 – Freezing Foods
- July 22, 2026 – Pressure Canning (Low-Acid Foods)
- August 12, 2026 – Making Salsa and Canning Tomatoes
- August 20, 2026 – Pickling
- September 15, 2026 – Preserving Squash and Pumpkin
Register to receive the Zoom link at:
https://go.unl.edu/virtualfoodpreservation
All About Pickling
When: July 25, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Where: Mulhall’s, 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68164
Cost: Free, thank you to Mulhall’s for sponsoring the event
Curious about pickling? Let’s dive in!
Whether you’re dreaming of crunchy dill pickles or looking for ways to preserve your garden harvest, this seminar is a great place to start. Nebraska Extension's Nancy Urbanec will guide participants through the basics of pickling, including essential ingredients, different styles of pickles, and common issues that can arise during the process.
Participants will also learn about the history of pickling and important food safety tips to help build confidence in home food preservation practices.
This program is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to sharpen their pickling skills. Bring your questions, and we’ll bring the know-how!
No registration needed, just come.
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Our Extension Experts on Backyard Farmer
Backyard Farmer is a cooperative television program produced by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Public Media. From lawns and landscapes to fruits, vegetables, and trees, Backyard Farmer connects viewers with Extension experts to help them grow smarter, healthier, and more beautiful outdoor spaces.
See previous episodes here.
Ask our Backyard Farmer experts a question here. Your question may be featured on the TV show!
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Lorraine Henry
This month, we would like to give a special shoutout to Lorraine Henry and thank her for 37 years of dedicated service to the 4-H program. Through her countless volunteer hours and unwavering commitment, Lorraine has truly embodied the 4-H motto of “making the best better.”
Lorraine is a familiar and beloved face in the 4-H community. If you've spent time in the livestock barn during the Sarpy County Fair, chances are you've benefited from her hard work. While youth are preparing for their classes and families are enjoying the shows, Lorraine is working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. She is also a fixture on entry day, spending hours alongside staff entering hundreds of exhibits with a gracious smile and a caring spirit.
In addition to her fair responsibilities, Lorraine serves as a 4-H club leader. Today, her club includes the children of former members she proudly refers to as her "legacies"—a testament to the lasting impact she has made on generations of 4-H youth.
Lorraine's service extends well beyond the club level. Over the years, she has served as a member and officer of the Friends of Extension Foundation, a 4-H Council member, an Extension Board member, and a dependable volunteer whenever help is needed.
As we prepare for this year's fair, be sure to thank Lorraine and the many dedicated volunteers who make these opportunities possible for our 4-H youth.
"We love Lorraine! She leads our club so well, deeply passionate about the 4-H program and always encouraging our kids to try new things and grow in new ways. Lorraine always has a big smile and will even show up to contests to cheer on my daughters in person. She's invested in our kids, and we are so thankful for her leadership and guidance."
— 4-H Parent
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Congratulations to Jody and John!
We are proud to congratulate Nebraska Extension Educators Jody Green and John Fech on being named 2026 Environment Champion Award recipients by Green Bellevue.
Jody's work as an Urban Entomologist serving Douglas and Sarpy Counties has made a meaningful impact through education, leadership, and conservation-focused outreach. Through her programs and expertise, she helps residents better understand insects, pollinators, and environmentally responsible pest management practices.
John's expertise as a certified arborist and his longstanding commitment to educating Sarpy County residents have contributed to healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and greater environmental stewardship throughout the region. His dedication to tree care and sustainable landscape management has benefited countless homeowners and community members over the years.
Together, Jody and John exemplify Nebraska Extension's mission of providing research-based education that improves lives, strengthens communities, and promotes environmental sustainability.
We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the positive difference they continue to make in our communities. Congratulations, Jody and John!
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Summer Lawn Watering Tips
As temperatures rise, lawn watering needs change compared to spring or fall. While the goal remains the same, keeping the entire root zone moist (not soggy or dry), the method differs in hot weather.
For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, the root system naturally shrinks in summer. That means you should water more frequently but less deeply to match the shallower root depth.
Just like in spring, the best way to know when to water is to check soil moisture. Use a long screwdriver: if it goes in easily, the soil still has moisture. If not, it’s time to grab the hose, set up the sprinkler, or press the "Manual Run" button on your irrigation controller.
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Essential Equipment for Safe Home Canning
There are three main types of equipment used for heat processing home canned foods:
- Boiling water canners and atmospheric steam canners: Used for high acid foods (pH 4.6 or lower), such as fruits, jams, and pickles.
- Pressure canners: Required for low acid foods (pH above 4.6), including vegetables, meats, and poultry.
Most canners are designed to hold 7 quart jars or 8 to 9 pint jars. To meet USDA safety guidelines, a pressure canner should hold at least four quart size jars.
See more about canning equipment at https://food.unl.edu/home-canning-equipment/
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Canning Vegetables
Pressure canning, using either a dial gauge or weighted gauge pressure canner, is the only safe, research based method for preserving low acid vegetables like green beans, corn, and carrots.
For reliable, research backed guidance, check out our vegetable canning resources at https://food.unl.edu/article/canning-vegetables/
Take note: Tomatoes are higher in acidity and can be safely canned using either a boiling water canner or a pressure canner.
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50 Years of Master Gardeners in Nebraska
Habitat for Humanity Planting
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In 2026, Nebraska Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of volunteer service, education, and community impact across the state. To mark this milestone, we will be highlighting different aspects of the Douglas-Sarpy Master Gardener program each month throughout the year.
This month, we are recognizing our partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Recently, Douglas-Sarpy Master Gardeners teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to install 20 raised vegetable garden beds and pollinator habitats for new homeowners in the Bluestem Prairie development near 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway in Omaha.
This collaborative project helps families gain access to fresh produce while learning sustainable gardening and landscaping practices. Master Gardeners also provide educational support and mentoring to help homeowners successfully grow vegetables and create pollinator-friendly landscapes.
We are excited to see this annual partnership continue to grow, enhancing neighborhoods, increasing local food access, and creating beautiful outdoor spaces for families to enjoy for years to come.
Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for partnering with us and for sharing the wonderful photos that capture the impact of this project. Together, we are cultivating healthier communities—one garden at a time.
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Personalized Gardening Support
Get Expert Advice
Our Master Gardeners are available to answer your questions:
- Visit Us: Bring your plant, turf, or insect sample to 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
- Hours: 9 AM to Noon and 1 to 4 PM
- Horticulture Helpline: (402) 444-7804 (Press 2)
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Email: douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Additional Resources
Backyard Farmer
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Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program by signing up for our newsletters:
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Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
8015 West Center Road, Omaha
402-444-7804
go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext
Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
See our annual report here.
Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.
Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. https://nebraska.edu/nondiscrimination
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Douglas-Sarpy Extension at least two weeks prior to the program at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu or 402-444-7804. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
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