Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | | |
Keep Cutting Those Annual Flowers!
Don’t be afraid to cut your annual flowers! Continue cutting flowers such as cosmos, zinnias, dahlias, begonias, and impatiens to help shape the plants and encourage more blooms. You can also bring those beautiful blooms indoors to enjoy.
Correct Canning Procedures
If you’re preserving food this fall, make sure you’re using safe, accurate information. Find easy-to-follow tutorials, recipes, and food preservation information from our experts at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/health-wellbeing/food-preservation/
Support Our 4-Hers at the Nebraska State Fair
Check out the Nebraska State Fair and cheer on our 4-Hers. The State fair is from August 28-September 7, 2026. Learn more at https://www.statefair.org/
Now is the Ideal Time to Plant a Tree
If you’re in need of a new tree, consider planting one this fall. September is an ideal time to plant trees and give them time to establish before winter. See why now is a great time to plant at https://go.unl.edu/nyeo
Pack a Safe School Lunch
As you pack school lunches, look for ways to keep food safe. Check out these tips and ideas from our experts at https://food.unl.edu/article/packed-lunch-safety/
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Plant Now for Beautiful Spring Color
Want a colorful display of spring-flowering bulbs next year? Fall in Nebraska is the perfect time, bulbs should be planted starting in late September, when soil temperatures drop below 60°F.
For the best results, choose firm, healthy bulbs and plant them in a well-drained location that receives full sun. Place bulbs in the ground with the pointed end facing up and at a depth of two to three times the bulb’s height. After planting, water thoroughly to help roots establish before the ground freezes.
Learn more about selecting, planting, and caring for spring-flowering bulbs:
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1742/spring-flowering-bulbs
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Tree Pruning
While it may be tempting to start pruning trees in the fall, most deciduous (shade) trees are best pruned during the dormant season. Wait until all leaves have dropped before doing any pruning, and save major pruning projects for late winter.
The ideal time to prune is in late March, just before spring growth begins. Pruning at this time promotes vigorous tree growth and allows wounds to close more quickly, helping trees stay healthy and strong.
Learn more in the Fall Landscape Playbook from Nebraska Extension:
https://lancaster.unl.edu/fall-landscape-playbook/
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Fall Garden Zoom
When: September 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m. CT
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Register to receive the Zoom link at: https://hles.unl.edu/lawn-garden/gro-big-red/
Join Nebraska Extension Educator Nicole Stoner on Zoom for a presentation on preparing your landscape for the fall season.
As summer transitions to fall, proper timing is key for many lawn and garden tasks. Learn best practices for fall tree planting and pruning, lawn care, and other essential seasonal chores. Participants will also discover how to prepare their landscapes for winter weather to help ensure healthy plants next spring.
| Learn How To Preserve Squash and Pumpkins | |
Join Nebraska Extension's 2026 Virtual Food Preservation Series for a free educational webinar on safely preserving squash and pumpkins. Learn research-based food preservation methods, receive practical tips for success, and get answers to your food preservation questions. Whether you're new to home food preservation or looking to expand your skills, this class will help you preserve your harvest safely and confidently.
Preserving Squash and Pumpkins
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. (CT)
Cost: Free
Register to receive the Zoom link: https://go.unl.edu/virtualfoodpreservation
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Early Childhood Professional Development Opportunity:
Seasons of Play: The Beauty of Fall
Bring the beauty of the changing season into your learning environment with Seasons of Play: The Beauty of Fall. These sessions explore simple, inspiring ways to engage children with the natural world through seasonal experiences and everyday materials.
As we move into autumn, discover how the sights, sounds, textures, and changes in nature can spark curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning. Whether you attend one session or both, you’ll leave with ideas you can use to connect children with the outdoors.
Fall Sessions:
September 3 and September 9
1:00–2:00 p.m. CT
Participants may attend one or both sessions.
1-hour of in-service credit is awarded for each class attended.
Recordings will be available for credit and will be sent to everyone who registers.
Sign up here.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Giller
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties is proud to recognize Ron Giller as the recipient of the Dedicated Extension Board Service Award in appreciation of his years of outstanding leadership and commitment.
Throughout his time on the Extension Board, Ron has been a steadfast advocate for Nebraska Extension. He has served in leadership roles as a board officer, generously volunteered his time at Extension events, and was always willing to step in wherever help was needed. His dependable support and positive attitude have made him an invaluable member of the Extension team.
One of Ron's greatest contributions has been his commitment to advocating for Extension programs. Each year, he met with county commissioners and state senators to share the impact Nebraska Extension has on local communities and to champion continued support for its educational programs and services. His efforts have helped strengthen relationships with elected officials and ensure that the value of Extension is understood by decision-makers.
Ron leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, leadership, and advocacy that has benefited countless residents throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties. While he will be greatly missed, his contributions have helped build a stronger future for Nebraska Extension.
Pictured are Ron accepting the Dedicated Extension Board Service Award, along with photos highlighting his advocacy efforts at the Nebraska State Capitol over the years.
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Apple Picking Time
A fun fall activity is picking apples and enjoying the harvest! Whether you pick them yourself or bring home a bag from the farmers market, choosing and storing apples properly can help you get the most out of your harvest.
Making a Good Selection
Choose apples that are firm, shiny, and smooth-skinned. Avoid apples with shriveled skin, bruises, or wormholes. Scarring on the skin is fine and does not affect the quality of the apple.
Proper Storage
Properly storing apples is important to help prevent food waste and save money. Apples can be stored at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard for up to three weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to six weeks.
Enjoy the Harvest!
Looking for delicious ways to use your apples? Check out some of Nebraska Extension’s favorite apple-themed recipes at https://food.unl.edu/article/apples/.
| | Wrapping Up the Fair Season, Looking Ahead to a New 4-H Year | |
As another fair season comes to a close, the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, parents, leaders, and supporters who helped make this year’s fair a success.
And to our 4-H’ers, we are proud of all you accomplished! From exhibiting to volunteering and trying something new, you put your skills into action and demonstrated what it means to be Beyond Ready.
While the new 4-H year officially begins with enrollment in early October there is still plenty happening including state fair, the end of Year celebration and National 4-H Week in October.
As the new year begins, we’ll have volunteer opportunities available, and Nebraska Extension staff will be ready to help families who are interested in starting a 4-H club for their children. Sign up for our 4-H-specific newsletter at https://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-newsletter-sign/ to receive program updates, upcoming opportunities, and ways to get involved.
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50 Years of Master Gardeners in Nebraska
Growing Community on South 24th Street
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To celebrate 50 years of the Nebraska Master Gardener program, we are highlighting a different part of our program each month. This month, we're featuring the 24th Street Business Improvement District, where Master Gardeners are helping cultivate both beautiful landscapes and a stronger community.
Located along South 24th Street from L to Q Streets in Omaha, this project supports business owners in managing 67 raised planters that line the commercial core of South Omaha's vibrant Latin American community. Master Gardeners provide guidance on plant selection, maintenance, and seasonal care to help keep the planters healthy, colorful, and welcoming throughout the growing season.
Community involvement has been vital to the success of this effort. Our Master Gardeners work alongside local businesses, community leaders, and even a nearby daycare center to revitalize the area. By selecting durable, well-adapted plants that thrive in the urban environment, they are creating attractive displays that enhance the streetscape while reducing maintenance challenges. These partnerships have led to long-term success, increased neighborhood pride, and a more inviting environment for residents, customers and visitors alike.
This project is a wonderful example of how Nebraska Master Gardeners combine horticultural expertise with community partnerships to create lasting, positive impacts. As we celebrate 50 years of service, we are proud to recognize the volunteers who continue to make Nebraska communities more beautiful, one planter at a time.
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Building Better Babysitters in Our Community
In 2026, nearly 300 youth participated in 4-H Building Better Babysitters clinics held at area libraries. These five-hour clinics were led by 4-H staff, with support from two teen interns from the Latino Center of the Midlands’ Siembra Nebraska program.
During the clinics, youth learn practical skills to become safe and confident babysitters. Participants practice basic first aid, learn about safe sleep and choking hazards, discuss caring for children of different ages, and learn how to communicate with both children and parents. Each participant also creates a basic first aid kit, receives a babysitting resource guide and earns a certificate they can share with potential clients.
The training is making a difference, with nearly 80% of participants reporting that they felt comfortable babysitting a child on their own after completing the clinic. Programs like Building Better Babysitters help young people develop valuable skills and confidence while preparing them for the important responsibility of caring for children.
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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 three 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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