Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | |
2026 GROBigRed Virtual Learning
Wednesdays at 12 p.m. CST
Join Nebraska Extension experts for a free, interactive virtual learning series where participants can learn and ask questions about gardening, lawn care, and more, from the convenience of home. Offered one
Upcoming Sessions
- March 11: The Road to Ripe: Growing Great Tomatoes with Dana Freeman
- April 8: Vegetable Garden Insect Pests with Dr. Jody Green
- May 13: Lawn & Landscape Weeds with Scott Evans
- June 10: Beyond Pollinators: Predatory and Beneficial Bugs — Ian Peterson
Register to get the link for sessions at: https://hles.unl.edu/grobigred
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Pollinator Planting Classes
Join Nebraska Extension as they share how planting pollinators can beautify your yard and support wildlife. Participants will gain practical tips and inspiration to bring pollinator-friendly practices home.
Class Dates & Locations
- Thursday, March 5 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Millard Branch
- Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Milton R. Abrahams Branch
- Monday, March 16 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Benson Branch
- Monday, March 23 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Downtown Branch
- Thursday, March 26 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. – Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Registration is required at https://omaha.bibliocommons.com/events/6952dd102c65973d0014cf9d
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Cook Smart with Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Extension is here to help you turn everyday pantry staples into healthy, quick, and delicious meals.
Enjoy nutritious cooking right from your own kitchen with trusted recipes from Nebraska Extension. Browse recipes by category or search to find exactly what you need. Start your search at
https://food.unl.edu/recipes/.
Pictured is our Vegetable Pasta Salad, a flavorful dish that’s a good source of fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Find the recipe here: https://food.unl.edu/recipe/vegetable-pasta-salad/
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Now Hiring: 4-H STEM Style Camp Teen Teachers – Summer 2026!
Douglas-Sarpy 4-H is hiring 2 teens (16+) to help lead STEM Style Camp for youth in grades 4–6!
Campers will explore sewing, kitchen science, and outdoor activities — ending with a fashion show and invitation to model at the 2026 Sarpy County Fair.
For more details contact
Stephanie at sthorson7@nebraska.edu
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Big Red Summer Academic Camps
Week-long residential career exploration camps at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for students entering grades 9–12 (2026–2027).
Campers live on campus, explore academic interests with university faculty, and make new friends. Housing and meals included. Space is limited.
Learn more and apply on at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/big-red-summer-academic-camps/
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Sign up for 4-H!
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program is open to all youth ages 5–18 and truly offers something for everyone.
The 4-H experience goes far beyond projects and activities. Through hands-on learning, youth build critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills while learning the importance of respect and responsibility.
Discover all that 4-H has to offer your family at
https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/
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Fire Smart Landscaping: Protecting Homes
Fires are an increasing concern across Nebraska and beyond, making it more important than ever for homeowners to take proactive steps to reduce risk. One effective strategy is creating a Fire Smart landscape, a thoughtfully designed and well-maintained yard that limits potential wildfire fuels around the home.
A key component of Fire Smart landscaping is establishing three defensible zones:
- Ember-Resistant Zone (0–5 feet): This area closest to the home should use non-combustible materials and low-growing plants to reduce the chance of embers igniting structures.
- Lean, Clean, and Green Zone (5–30 feet): Maintain well-spaced, irrigated plants and keep this area free of excess debris.
- Reduce Fuel Zone (30–100 feet): Thin vegetation and reduce dense plant material to slow the spread of fire.
When selecting plants, choose varieties with low flammability, maintain proper spacing, and regularly remove dead or dry materials.
Thoughtful landscape design combined with consistent maintenance can significantly slow wildfire spread and help protect homes from fire damage.
Learn more about Fire Smart landscaping and weather-ready landscapes at:
https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/weather-ready-landscapes/
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50 Years of Master Gardeners
Charlie Ford: Growing a Passion for Gardening and Pollinators
In 2026, the Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program celebrates 50 years of learning, service, and community. This month, we’re sharing Charlie’s story and his pollinator photography work! Charlie Ford became a Master Gardener in 2016 after reaching out to horticulture staff member Kathleen Cue, a friend of his daughter, with a few plant questions. While he found the answers he needed, he also discovered an unexpected love of gardening.
As he transitioned into retirement, his employer gave him Fridays off in the spring to attend Master Gardener classes. What began with three tomato and pepper plants has grown into seven distinct pollinator gardens in his yard.
Those pollinator gardens have become vital not only to Charlie’s landscape, but to the community as well. They sparked a new appreciation for insects, from bumble bees to monarch butterflies, and the important role they play. Today, he enjoys creating pollinator gardens, photographing pollinators (see his photography work below), and building native bee houses.
Charlie volunteers at the Veterans Home demonstration garden, staffs Ask a Master Gardener tables, and answers calls for the Horticulture Helpline. When asked what he finds most meaningful about being a Master Gardener, his answer is simple: the people. He values those connections as much as the gardening itself.
| | Wow—Extension Does That!?! | | |
Learning in Action
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties provide meaningful opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to complete internship requirements while gaining hands-on, real-world experience.
Through on-the-job learning, professional shadowing, work-study roles, and on-call student worker positions, our students build practical skills and strengthen their résumés in the fields they’re passionate about, including:
- Dietetics & Public Health
- Horticulture & Urban Agriculture
- Early Childhood & Youth Development
- Education
Our interns and student workers are learning, growing, and making an impact every day, and we’re excited to be part of their journey!
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Drone Class
Are you interested in flying drones professionally? Nebraska Extension is offering in-person classes to help individuals prepare for the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam, an important step toward earning a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107).
Learn more in our CropWatch article:
“Part 107 Certification Opens the Door to Professional Drone Operations.”
There are various locations throughout the state, including Omaha sessions starting in April. Sign up today at:
https://cropwatch.unl.edu/news/part-107-certification-opens-door-professional-drone-operations/
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Continuing Education for Child Care Providers
New Class: One Norovirus, With a Side of Salmonella, Please?
Preparing Food Safely in Child Care Facilities
Safe food handling is especially important in child care settings, where young children are more vulnerable to foodborne illness. Nebraska Extension offers an on-demand online training designed to help child care providers strengthen food safety practices and reduce health risks. Sign up at https://go.unl.edu/5cve.
Additional Classes
Nebraska Extension is also offering additional online continuing education classes throughout March and April.
Learn more and register:
https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/early-childhood/professional-development-programs/
| | Nebraska Extension & 4-H at Legislative Day | |
February marked NACEB Legislative Day at the Capitol, where Nebraska Extension representatives highlighted the powerful impact of our education, training, and strong local presence. From Douglas and Sarpy counties to communities across the state, our programs and resources continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Nebraskans.
A special highlight of the day was the participation of several of our 4-H Teen Ambassadors, who made the annual trip to Lincoln. They shared firsthand stories about the leadership skills, confidence, and real-world education they gain through 4-H.
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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
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