Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | | Maximize Gardening Space and Pollinator Plant List | | |
Grow MORE food in LESS space
Nebraska Extension Educator, Dana Freeman shares how square foot gardening can help you maximize your raised beds while keeping weeds under control and your garden organized.
This simple planting method is perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. Watch the latest gardening tip from Backyard Farmer and learn how to make every square foot count at https://www.facebook.com/reel/2518407528576508
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Pollinator Plant List
Looking to bring more life and movement to your landscape? This pollinator plant list features a variety of plants that support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. From early-season bloomers to late-season favorites, these plants provide essential food sources and habitat while adding color, texture, and beauty to your garden. Use this curated selection to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscape that supports local ecosystems.
Check them out https://go.unl.edu/s6hv
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Important 4-H Deadlines
Join 4-H by June 15, 2026, to participate in this year’s fair. Registration information can be found at Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Join Page.
Youth exhibiting livestock must complete all ID sheets, YQCA testing, and livestock achievement sign-ups by June 15, 2026. Additional livestock information is available on the livestock tab at Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Youth Development.
Families are invited to participate in the Hatch Baby Chicks program from June 22–July 17, 2026. Learn more and register at Hatch Baby Chicks Registration.
Planning your fair entries? Find Department, Division, and Class numbers in the fairbook at Douglas-Sarpy County and State Fair Resources.
| GROBigRed Virtual Learning Series | |
Join our experts for a free, interactive virtual learning series focused on gardening, lawn care, and related topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical, research-based guidance from Extension experts.
Upcoming Webinar:
June 10, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT
Beyond Pollinators: Predatory and Beneficial Bugs
Presented Ian Peterson, Extension Educator
Good garden bugs aren't just our pollinators. From pest predators to nutrient cyclers, learn about some of the other helpers in our gardens and how to support their ongoing presence to best benefit your plants and landscape.
Learn more or register: https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/gro-big-red/
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Randy Porter Receives the 2026 Friends of Extension's Excellence in Board Advocacy & Service Award
Randy Porter served on the Douglas-Sarpy County Extension Board for six years and currently serves as an Engagement Zone 9 Director on the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB). Randy has been a constant and consistent support of Extension and attends local and statewide events to show support and advocate.
Randy has been appointed to serve as NACEB President in 2027 where he will help lead advocacy efforts with Nebraska State Senators and other key stakeholders, championing Extension’s impact, strengthening partnerships, and advancing support for programs across the state. He is also a valued member of the NACEB leadership group that has earned regular meetings with and the respect of University of Nebraska President Dr. Gold, helping ensure Extension has a seat at the table and remains relevant across the NU system and the state. The time Randy volunteers to serve in these roles is very valued and appreciated.
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Honoring Excellence: Katie Krause Receives Statewide Early Childhood Award
Extension Educator, Katie Krause, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Service to Children Award by the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children. This award recognizes individuals across Nebraska who demonstrate exceptional initiative in the care and education of young children, highlighting excellence, impact, and inspiration in early childhood education.
Childcare providers, don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Katie! Nebraska Extension offers a variety of continuing education opportunities at: go.unl.edu/childcareclasses.
| | Exploring Science Through Hands-On Learning | | |
John Fech recently taught at the First Green program, an environmental STEAM outreach experience that uses the golf course as a living laboratory. K–12 students participated in hands-on outdoor learning stations focused on wildlife habitat, soil science, environmental sustainability, mathematics, water conservation, water quality, and career exploration in environmental fields.
Through this experience, students were able to connect classroom learning to real-world applications in a natural outdoor setting, deepening their understanding of environmental science and sustainability.
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In May, our staff, community partners and volunteers taught at Water Works, an annual hands-on educational event held at the Schramm Education Center. Nearly 1,000 fifth-grade students participated, learning about water and its vital role in the environment and in daily life.
Through interactive learning stations, students explored topics such as the water cycle, water quality, and pollution prevention. This engaging experience helped bring water science to life through hands-on discovery.
Learn more about this meaningful educational event at https://www.papionrd.org/education-events-water-works/
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Summer in Style: Enjoy Fun with Food
Eating well can be both healthy and enjoyable! Small changes in the kitchen can make meals more flavorful, nutritious, and fun for the whole family. Try these simple ideas to add variety and excitement to your summer menu.
Try a Fresh and Fruity Treat
Fruits are a delicious way to add color, flavor, and important nutrients to your day. Looking for a fun snack or dessert idea? Try the refreshing Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps recipe from University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension and explore even more fun and healthy recipes at Food.unl.edu
Boost Flavor with Herbs and Spices
Cutting back on salt doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Herbs and spices can bring bold, delicious taste to your favorite dishes while supporting healthier eating habits. Explore simple ways to use herbs and spices to enhance meals and discover new flavor combinations to try in your kitchen at Add Flavor with Herbs and Spices.
Grilling Tips
Grilling outdoors is often one of the most anticipated activities of the summer. Grilling can be a healthy and low-fat way to prepare your favorite meals. Before firing up the grill, review these helpful recipes and food safety tips at Grilling Safely Tips and Recipes.
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50 Years of Master Gardeners in Nebraska
Munroe-Meyer Walk
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In 2026, Nebraska Extension celebrates 50 years of the Master Gardener program in Nebraska. This month, we are pleased to feature the annual Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk and one of our newer Master Gardeners, Desiree Stednitz.
Desiree joined the Master Gardener program in 2025. Her interest in the program began while volunteering with the annual Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk, where she connected with Master Gardeners and learned more about their work in the community. Through the Garden Walk, she saw firsthand the impact volunteers make and the generosity of homeowners who open their gardens to the public.
Now in its 57th year, the Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. The event raises approximately $30,000 annually, contributing to more than $1 million raised over the past five decades. Proceeds support the Munroe-Meyer Institute through impact grants that fund feeding therapy, caregiver training, innovative projects, and services for individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs. During the walk, Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners are stationed at each site to provide education and share their gardening expertise with visitors. This year’s Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk will take place on June 14. Learn more and purchase tickets at the Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk website.
As a Master Gardener volunteer, Desiree has contributed to the program in many ways. She especially enjoys working in the garden at the hospice house, where she finds the environment both peaceful and rewarding. Through her volunteer work, she has also connected with individuals and families she knows through Special Olympics, offering comfort and support during their time there.
Please look for Desiree and our other Master Gardeners at this year’s Munroe-Meyer Garden Walk on June 14, 2026. Thank you to all of our volunteers who enrich our community in so many ways.
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Food Preservation Classes
Join the 2026 Virtual Food Preservation Series, a free set of classes designed to help you learn, ask questions, and build confidence in canning, freezing, dehydrating, and more.
Class Dates & Topics:
- June 10, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT - Boiling Water Canning (Acidic Foods)
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June 18, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT- Dehydrating Foods
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July 15, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT- Freezing Foods
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July 22, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT- Pressure Canning (Low Acid Foods)
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August 12, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT- Making Salsa/ Canning Tomatoes
Registration is required to receive the session link: https://go.unl.edu/virtualfoodpreservation
Can’t attend live or want to explore more? Check out our Home Food Preservation Series to learn safe, effective ways to preserve food at home: https://go.unl.edu/canningclasses
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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
- BYF airs on Thursday's at 7 pm and replays Sun-10am on Nebraska public media.
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Learn more at https://byf.unl.edu/
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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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