Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | |
Nebraska Extension Names Douglas-Sarpy Master Gardener Lou Gilmore as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year | |
Lou Gilmore exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, leadership, and community impact as a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV). Since earning her EMGV certification in 2016, Lou has transformed gardens into dynamic educational spaces, forged meaningful community connections, and empowered countless individuals through her mentorship and service.
The impact of Lou’s work is evident in the joy and pride of the children and families she serves. At the Hope Center, students actively participate in planting, harvesting, and distributing produce. In doing so, they gain valuable gardening skills while building a strong sense of accomplishment and community.
Lou’s efforts have strengthened Nebraska Extension’s presence in this underserved area, cultivating lasting partnerships and tackling food insecurity in powerful ways. Her ability to engage community partners, secure vital resources, and lead with compassion has made a remarkable difference in addressing food insecurity and furthering the mission of Nebraska Extension. Because of her exceptional contributions, Lou has been awarded the 2025
Read more about Lou's Extension and volunteer story here.
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Upcoming Educational Opportunities | |
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GroBigRed Local Classes -
Spring into Lawn Care with John Fech!
After a long, cold winter, we’re all eager to get outside and give our lawns the TLC they deserve. Join John Fech, our lawn care expert, for an informative session on essential turf care steps — plus tips for specific situations.
When: March 8, 2025
Time: 9-10 AM
Where: UNL Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Cost:
- $15 in advance
- $20 at the door
Register here.
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2025 Chick Days
Join our experts, including Douglas-Sarpy Educator Brett Kreifels, for an informative event tailored for small and backyard poultry producers, as well as youth!
When: March 22, 2025,
Time: 9 am-2 pm
Where: Animal Science Complex
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus
3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE
Registration is due March 15, 2025
Register here.
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Horticulture Resources for March | |
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AAS Selection
Dreaming about gardening? Check out the AAS winners to plan your 2025 projects! AAS plants are award-winning, high-quality varieties that have been tested for excellence.
The AAS Selection promotes new and innovative flowers, vegetables, and plants in the gardening
Check them out here.
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GROBigRed Virtual Learning Series Rain Gardens: Where to Use Them/ What to Plant in Them
March 12, from Noon-1 pm CT.
Rain gardens help harvest the rain and reduce runoff to streams and rivers. Plants need to be in the right locations with plant selections considered for three moisture zones. Learn about rain garden plants that succeed in Nebraska rain gardens.
See more of our classes and register for this class here.
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Houseplant Care
Our horticulture expert, Scott Evans, was recently featured in a Backyard Farmer video, sharing expert tips on how to care for your houseplants this winter.
Be sure to check it out here.
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4-H is Fostering Curiosity through Our Impactful Egg Hatching Program
“I LOVE all the aspects of science, math, and STEM that we can incorporate while hatching the eggs. It is also so important to also teach responsibility. It is a core memory for them and I feel so lucky that this program is available and that it is something that the kids will always remember.” - Hitchcock Elementary Teacher in Omaha.
Teachers are invited to explore all of Douglas-Sarpy 4-H's hands-on learning opportunities. Check them out at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-classroom/
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Bringing Baby Home: What You Actually Need- A Podcast from NE Extension | |
Bringing a baby home—whether through birth, adoption, or other paths—is a journey filled with excitement, emotions, and plenty of decisions! In S2E8 - Bringing Baby Home: What You Actually Need, Nebraska Extension Educators Tasha Wulf and Katie Krause share their personal stories of preparing for parenthood. They also explore how marketing targets new parents and offer tips for finding trusted resources.
Tune in at https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/24076 for relatable stories, expert insights, and practical advice for welcoming your little one home!
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Douglas-Sarpy Extension Board Highlight: Secretary Carol Houser
"I first became familiar with Nebraska Extension through my work in early childhood education. During this time, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Katie Krause, an Extension educator, on several local early childhood initiatives. I deeply appreciate her efforts in providing valuable professional development opportunities for early childhood educators across Nebraska.
My involvement with Nebraska Extension was further inspired by my friend, Randy Porter, who serves on the Extension Board. His passion for the work and programs offered by Extension was contagious, and I was excited to learn more. Having participated in 4-H as a child, it’s been a joy to now share the positive impact of Extension in our community.
One of my favorite experiences was attending the Sarpy County Fair. I had the opportunity to tour the fair with several young 4-H Ambassadors, and I was incredibly impressed by their presentation skills and in-depth knowledge. The variety of exhibits, ranging from livestock categories to photography and crafts, was fascinating. It’s always rewarding to learn about Extension’s programs and to share this knowledge with others in the community." - Carol Houser
A big thank you to Carol for all her dedicated volunteer work and advocacy in support of Nebraska Extension’s mission!
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Nebraska Extension Is Supporting Local Professionals with our Upcoming Classes | |
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Free Childcare Provider Continuing Education Classes
Focusing on Challenging Behaviors professional development! Each week, we’ll focus on a key aspect of early care and education that directly influences children's behavior in your program. Before each session, we’ll invite participants to share their current challenges, and together, we'll troubleshoot and explore solutions during the class.
Focusing on Challenging Behaviors
When: 3/04/2025, 3/11/2025
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Central Time
1-hour certificate awarded after each session. Classes will be recorded.
Sign up today at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/early-childhood/professional-development-programs/
For more information, contact Katie at katie.krause@unl.edu.
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ProHort Lawn and Landscape Class
Landscape and other green industry professionals have an opportunity learn from Extension Educators about plant pests, plant choices and common client issues. ISA and NAA credits available.
This Year's Topics:
- Right Plant? Nope, Try This!
- Common Pest & Abiotic Problems in Turf
- Seven Common Customer Problems
- Common Woody Plant Pests and Their Management.
March 13, from 8-3:30
Where: Douglas-Sarpy County Extension office in Omaha
Cost: $35 per person
Learn more and register at: http://go.unl.edu/ProHort
For more information, contact John at jfech@unl.edu.
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Nebraska 4-H Month Proclaimed by Governor Pillen
The impacts of Nebraska 4-H were celebrated in February following a proclamation by Govenor Jim Pillen.
Surrounded by 4-H members and Nebraska Extension professionals, Pillen declared February as Nebraska 4-H Month in a February 4 ceremony at the State Capitol. During the proclamation signing, the governor recognized the program’s positive influence on youth development, leadership and community engagement statewide.
“I never thought I’d have an experience like this,” said Jayden, from the Douglas and Sarpy county area. “I walked in the building, and I was just stunned. It’s so beautiful, and everyone is so nice.”
Read more Nebraska 4-H Month recognizes program’s impact on youths | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska
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Featured Food Resources for March | |
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Rice: A Healthy, Budget-Friendly Food
Rice is a healthy, versatile, and affordable option for meals. As the most popular grain worldwide, it provides energy, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Check out the following tips and nutritional information about rice, along with ideas for incorporating it into your dishes.
For our rice tips and recipes, click here.
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Skillet Lasagna
This quick and easy one-pan dish provides four out of the five MyPlate food groups. Consider adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or broccoli.
Get the recipe here: https://food.unl.edu/recipe/skillet-lasagna/
See the how to video from our experts here.
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Make Meal Prep Easy
Imagine how often you could use pre-browned, ready-to-go ground beef crumbles in your favorite recipes!
You can brown ground beef ahead of time and freeze it for quick, convenient meals like spaghetti sauce, chili, sloppy joes, and more. Here's how to prep and store your ground beef for easy access whenever you need it. PLUS, Nebraska Extension has included some delicious recipes to get you started! Follow these tips to ensure the best flavor and quality every time.
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Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program by signing up for our Newsletters:
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Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing Rachel here.
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Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing 4-H here.
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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.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.
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