Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties | | Celebrating 50 Years of Learning in the Garden and Honoring Our Veterans | |
As we wrap up our yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nebraska Extension’s Master Gardener Program, we want to continue celebrating one of our main focuses, teaching.
Our demonstration gardens provide hands-on educational opportunities where people can see practical ideas and real world plant performance in action. Visitors can learn about drought resistant plants, pollinator friendly options, sustainable gardening practices, and more, and take those ideas home to implement in their own gardens.
One meaningful example is the Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home garden in Bellevue. Residents and their guests enjoy a Purple Heart Garden at the entry, along with green infrastructure in the form of bioswales that help manage stormwater runoff from the facility’s three acres of roofing.
Located at a home for Nebraska veterans, this garden also gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the men and women who have served our country. This Veterans Day, and throughout the year, we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. It is especially meaningful to have a garden that provides a welcoming, beautiful space for veterans, their families, and guests to enjoy.
These gardens are more than beautiful spaces. They are living classrooms where Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners can teach, demonstrate, and inspire gardeners to try new ideas in their own landscapes.
As we celebrate 50 years of the Master Gardener Program, we are proud to continue growing knowledge, serving our communities, and honoring those who have served our country, one garden at a time.
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Lady Beetles: Helpful in the Garden, Unwanted in the House
Lady beetles are beneficial insects in the garden and landscape, feeding on small, soft-bodied pests such as aphids. However, the multicolored Asian lady beetle can become an unwelcome visitor when it moves indoors.
As temperatures drop, these beetles may gather around homes and find their way inside in search of shelter. They can remain a household nuisance throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
Wondering why these beetles show up in your home and how to manage them? Kait Chapman, Extension Educator in Douglas-Sarpy Counties, and Taylor Cammack, Extension Instructor in Platte County, share helpful information about these seasonal visitors and tips for keeping them out of your home.
Learn more:
https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/lancasterextension/20930/110323
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Keep Learning This Winter With Nebraska Extension
Stay curious this winter with Nebraska Extension’s webinar recordings! Learn from Extension experts as they share practical tips and insights on gardening, food, and more. Watch anytime, at your own pace, and discover new ideas to put into practice.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Cynthia Miserez
As a member of our Extension Board, Cynthia Miserez brings a love of plants, a passion for her community, and a strong belief in the value of Nebraska Extension. Her commitment helps support Extension’s mission of sharing knowledge, providing resources, and making a positive impact in our community.
Cynthia had been familiar with Nebraska Extension for years, using the Extension website and local office to find information about plants and gardening. Her path to becoming an Extension Board member began with a chance encounter at the grocery store with her Douglas County Commissioner. That conversation led to an invitation to join the Extension Board.
Today, serving on the board is Cynthia’s primary volunteer role with Extension. She says her love of plants and appreciation for the resources Extension provides to help people live healthy, productive lives are what drew her to the organization.
Since joining the board, Cynthia has gained an even greater appreciation for the breadth of Extension’s work in the community.
“I love getting to know just how many programs serve the community and help people express their creativity and grow in confidence,” Cynthia says.
As a board member, Cynthia sees herself as both an advocate and an ambassador for Extension. She believes she can help support the organization by reaching out to legislators to encourage continued funding and by spreading the word about the many programs and resources Extension offers.
Outside of her Extension activities, Cynthia stays busy pursuing her own interests. She loves music, sings in a choir, and takes classical guitar lessons. She also enjoys theater, and the photo accompanying this article was taken during a theater tour in London.
For Cynthia, volunteering on a board has been about more than simply attending meetings. It has been an opportunity to expand her world, meet new people, learn about the community, and discover connections she may never have encountered otherwise.
Her advice to others considering volunteering is simple: “Being on a board expands your world. Do it. And you’ll find a fresh farm egg connection. It’s a big, interesting world. Be a part of it. Stretch yourself a little bit. The rewards are great.”
We are grateful to Cynthia for sharing her time, enthusiasm, and talents with Nebraska Extension and for helping others discover the many ways Extension serves the community.
If you are interesting in becoming a board member, please contact Douglas-Sarpy Unit Leader Carrie Miller at cschneidermiller2@unl.edu or 402-444-7804. Learn more about what our board members do here.
| | Senator Kauth with 4-H Ambassadors and Cynthia. | | Senator Rountree with 4-H Ambassadors and Cynthia. | | |
Thanksgiving Turkey Tips
Frozen turkeys need about 24 hours of fridge thawing for every 4–5 pounds. Buy early so there’s enough time to thaw safely. If buying fresh, purchase 1–2 days before cooking and keep refrigerated.
Keep this in mind to thaw in a food safe way:
- 8 pound turkey: 2 days to defrost
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12 pounds turkey: 3 days to defrost
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16 pounds turkey: 4 days to defrost
Cooking: Cook the turkey to 165°F, checking the innermost thigh, wing, and thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer (avoid touching bone).
Carving: Let the turkey rest 20 minutes before carving so juices set. Use a clean cutting board with a groove for juices and a sharp knife.
Get all our Thanksgiving Tips at https://food.unl.edu/food-calendar/november/thanksgiving/
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The Inside Outside Community of Learners is a welcoming space for educators interested in nature-based education to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Whether you're experienced or just getting started, all are welcome.
Each session includes a brief topic introduction followed by small-group discussion to share ideas, ask questions, and explore challenges and solutions.
Classes are not recorded. Participants receive 1 hour of in-service credit for each meeting attended.
For more information contact Katie at katie.krause@unl.edu
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2027 4-H Enrollment Is Open!
Are you ready for a year of fun, learning, and new adventures? Enrollment for the 2027 4-H year is now open! Youth ages 5–18 as of January 1, 2027, are invited to join Douglas-Sarpy 4-H for a year filled with new opportunities, exciting experiences, and lasting memories.
Through 4-H, youth can make new friends, explore their interests, develop valuable life skills, and discover new passions along the way. Whether you're interested in animals, science, creative projects, leadership, or something entirely new, there’s a place for you in 4-H!
New to 4-H? We’d love to welcome you! Whether you're joining for the first time or returning for another great year, we can't wait to have you be part of our 4-H family.
Ready to get started? Visit our enrollment page to learn more and sign up today! Join Douglas-Sarpy 4-H!
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Soup’s On! AI Meets the Kitchen
A Fresh Take on Our Annual Soup Class
Join Douglas-Sarpy Extension’s Cindy Brison for a fun, flavorful twist on our annual Soup Class! This year, discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can inspire creativity in the kitchen and help you make delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly soups using ingredients you already have on hand.
Learn how AI can spark new recipe ideas, help stretch your grocery budget, and turn everyday ingredients into something delicious. You’ll leave with practical tips, tasty inspiration, and recipes to try at home.
Come hungry! Cindy will share plenty of delicious samples and recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure. Bring your creativity and your appetite!
Class Details
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Douglas County Extension Office
8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE
Cost: $25 per person
Register today: go.unl.edu/soupclass
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Faces of 4-H: Share Your Story!
Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program has incredible members, volunteers, and alumni who bring our program to life! The program will be featuring the Faces of 4-H, a new series celebrating the people that make our 4-H community so special.
Every 4-H story is worth celebrating, and we’re kicking off this series by recognizing Courtney Scholting, the 2026 Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Volunteer of the Year! Courtney exemplifies the spirit of 4-H through her dedication to mentoring youth, supporting families, and strengthening our program. As Beef Superintendent, she promotes safety, organization, and hands-on learning while helping members develop valuable skills in animal care, responsibility, and decision-making. Her willingness to volunteer across multiple programs and lend a hand wherever needed reflects her generosity and commitment to youth success. Through her leadership, encouragement, and service, Courtney makes a meaningful difference in the lives of 4-H members and their families. Thank you, Courtney, for all you do!
Now, we want to celebrate more of the amazing people who make Douglas-Sarpy 4-H special. Are you a current 4-H member, volunteer, or alum who would like to be featured? Or do you know someone whose story deserves to be shared? We invite you to sign up or nominate someone for an upcoming Faces of 4-H Feature - Complete the Faces of 4-H Feature Friday Survey
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Personalized Gardening Support
Get Expert Advice
Our Horticulture Helpline is available to answer your questions:
- Visit Us: Bring your plant, turf, or insect sample to 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
- Hours: 9 AM 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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