Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | | Connecting to the Community through Omaha Public Library Partnership | | |
Nebraska Extension connects our community to research-based resources, helping individuals and families apply this knowledge in everyday life. A key part of this mission is building strong community partnerships, including our collaboration with Omaha Public Library, OPL. This partnership thrives thanks to the library’s coordination and support, allowing Extension to focus on delivering high-quality education while creating meaningful teaching opportunities for staff and volunteers.
- The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers deliver hands-on gardening programs at OPS including: container gardening, composting, seed starting, and pollinator planting, pictured below.
- Our Early Childhood program brings the popular Look Who’s Hatching experience to local libraries. Each year, more than 22,000 families observe chick and duck hatching while participating in related educational activities. Below is a photo of the library’s “farm” setup and learning stations.
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Nebraska Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program offers free babysitting clinics at local libraries each summer for youth ages 11 and older. These clinics help youth build confidence, responsibility, and essential life skills while preparing them to care for others. Registration is required—view dates, times, and details at: https://omaha.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=babysitting
Through partnerships like these, Nebraska Extension continues to make education accessible, engaging, and impactful for our entire community.
| | “Thank you so much to you and the volunteers for presenting so many excellent programs this quarter. We received great feedback again.” Michelle Carlson, Librarian | |
GROBigRed Virtual Learning Series
Lawn & Landscape Weeds
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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:
May 13, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT
Lawn & Landscape Weeds
Presented by Scott Evans
Weeds are among the most visible and persistent landscape pests, competing with desirable plants for space, light, water, and nutrients. Because any plant growing where it is not wanted may be considered a weed, effective management is essential for gardeners and landscape professionals alike.
Learn more or register: https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/gro-big-red/
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Join 4-H By June 15, 2026
Give your child the opportunity to explore hands-on learning through 4-H projects by starting a 4-H club! It’s a great way to spark curiosity, build skills, and create lasting memories with friends. Our team is here to support you every step of the way!
Get started at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/join-4-h/.
Sign up for our weekly 4-H Newsletter at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-newsletter-sign/.
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Refresh Your Houseplants This May
Early May is an ideal time to repot houseplants. As outdoor temperatures rise, plants begin to grow more actively, both above and below the soil.
To repot, gently remove the plant from its current container and loosen any tangled or circling roots. Transfer it to a slightly larger pot, adding fresh potting soil around the loosened roots. Water thoroughly, then place the plant in a shady spot for about a week to help it adjust to its new home.
| | Extension Events For Kids and Families | | |
Marathon Kids
Join the Nebraska Extension Marathon Kids Summer Family Run Club and run, jog, or walk your way to a marathon, together!
This free program is open to kids ages 2–12 and their families, making it a fun and flexible way to stay active all summer long.
How it works:
Register at https://go.unl.edu/marathonkidsrunner by May 12, 2026 to receive a mailed packet with fun mileage tracking logs!
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Summer Embryology
Families are invited to participate in the Hatch Baby Chicks program from June 22 – July 17, 2026.
Register online:
https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-classroom/embryology/
(Scroll to the bottom of the page.)
Registration is complete once payment is received.
Payment options:
- By phone: Call (402) 444-7804
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By mail: Send a check payable to University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- At Nebraska Extension Office, 8015 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
For more information, contact Megan at mpetsch3@unl.edu.
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Childcare Provider Trainings
Looking to grow your skills and stay up to date with the latest in childcare? Nebraska Extension offers a variety of continuing education opportunities designed specifically for childcare providers.
Browse current classes and find training that fits your schedule and professional goals: go.unl.edu/childcareclasses
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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)
- 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.
- Learn more at https://byf.unl.edu/
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50 Years of Master Gardeners
In 2026, Nebraska Extension celebrates 50 years of the Master Gardener program in Nebraska. As gardening season begins, it’s a great time to recognize the knowledge, dedication, and service Master Gardeners bring to communities across the state.
Using research-based practices from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Master Gardeners help grow healthy, sustainable gardens. From improving soil and starting seeds to watering, weeding, and managing pests, they apply their training in both community spaces and their own gardens. They also share this knowledge with the public, helping gardeners of all experience levels find success.
One example of this work can be seen at the Tri-Faith Commons in Omaha, learn more about this unique garden at https://www.trifaith.org/. In the Unity Garden, Hope Orchard, and Seven Sacred Oaks, volunteers, some of whom are Master Gardeners, grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs using natural methods. As the gardens enter another growing season, volunteers are busy preparing beds, transplanting, and starting seeds. The produce grown is donated to local food pantries, helping provide nutritious food to those in need.
Through their service, Master Gardeners do more than grow plants, they grow knowledge, strengthen communities, and help feed our neighbors.
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Canning 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:
- May 20, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT — Making Jams & Jellies
- June 10, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT — Boiling Water Canning (Acidic Foods)
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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Tomatoes Storage
Keep tomatoes at room temperature (above 55°F) until fully ripe to develop the best flavor and aroma.
Ripe tomatoes are red or reddish-orange (depending on the variety) and give slightly to pressure.
Store with the stem end up to prevent bruising.
Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid uneven ripening.
Serve at room temperature for the juiciest taste!
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Overwintering Pests Are Waking Up!
As temperatures rise, you may start to notice more unwelcome visitors such as boxelder bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, cluster flies, and others.
These pests moved indoors last fall, and now, with warmer, sunnier days, they become active again.
The good news is that these insects don’t feed, reproduce, or cause damage indoors—and they aren’t a health risk.
The best solution is to simply sweep them up or dispose of them properly.
Learn more here.
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Aerate your Lawn
May is a great time to aerate your lawn, especially in areas with poor drainage after rain or heavy foot traffic. Aeration helps improve soil structure, enhance root growth, and reduce compaction.
After aerating, allow the soil plugs to dry for a few days. Then, simply run your lawn mower over them. This helps break up the cores and allows the soil to blend back into the lawn, working its way into the thatch layer and improving overall turf health.
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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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