Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

11/02/2026

If you want to give back to the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program, consider applying to be on the 4-H council!

The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council is looking for youth and adult members who want to help make a difference in our local 4-H program.

As a council member, you'll help: Support youth leadership and life skill development Encourage community service and 4-H projects Plan events and educational opportunities Recognize member achievements and review scholarships Promote 4-H and help our program grow

Meeting Schedule:
Six meetings per year at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. (1/21, 3/18, 5/20, 8/2, 8/19, and 10/21)

Application Deadline: December 31

Interested in serving? Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflnqfDhNPeL_wYOJ2vPSZtbe-_Ob4cIy1PjjBW8ZG977tj6A/viewform

Whether you're a youth member looking to develop your leadership skills or an adult who wants to support the next generation, we'd love to have you join the team.

11/02/2026

Leave It on the Lawn!

Did you know the leaves, grass clippings, small branches, seeds and fruits from your landscape can become a valuable resource instead of heading to the landfill?

Leaving landscape waste on site can:
• Reduce the amount of material going to landfills
• Return valuable nutrients and organic matter to your soil
• Improve lawn and landscape soil health
• Save time and effort spent collecting, bagging and disposing of yard waste

Instead of hauling everything away, consider letting nature do some of the work! Grass clippings can be left on the lawn, leaves can be mulched into the turf, and small branches and other plant material can be composted.

It just makes good sense to “leave it on the lawn!

Learn more at

Landscape waste that is generated from trees, shrubs and lawns can be a considerable factor to deal with.

11/02/2026

Happy National Deviled Egg Day!

Deviled eggs aren't just for parties and potlucks! They make a delicious side dish or even a tasty main dish for a light meal.

Eggs are nutritious, budget-friendly, and can be part of a healthy diet. Each large egg provides about 70 calories, high-quality protein, and a variety of other important nutrients.

Whether you like them classic, spicy, or with your own special twist, today is a great excuse to enjoy a few!

Looking for recipes and egg-cooking tips? Check them out here:
🔗 https://food.unl.edu/food-calendar/december/deviled-egg-day/

What's your favorite way to make deviled eggs? Share your secrets in the comments!

11/02/2026

voting ends at noon - there are only 2 votes separating our first two. Like your favorite picture to vote.

11/02/2026

Want to get your African violets to blooming beautifully?

A few simple tips can help your African violets thrive indoors!

Choose the right pot: African violets do well in small pots. A good rule of thumb is to use a pot about one-third the diameter of the plant.

Give them plenty of light: Bright light encourages blooming. During the darker winter months, a south-facing window can be a good spot.

Try fluorescent lights: African violets can also bloom beautifully under fluorescent lighting.

With the right pot and plenty of light, you can enjoy lovely African violet blooms indoors!

A special thank you to Mary Jane Frogge, Extension Associate, for this helpful tip!

11/01/2026

As the weather gets cooler, it's a great time to bring your workout indoors! 💪

Looking for a simple way to stay active? Bodyweight exercises require no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. They use your own body for resistance to help build strength and support muscle and bone health.

Nebraska Extension's Body Weight Circuits are a great way to get started, with exercises that can be adapted to different comfort and skill levels.

🪑 All you need is a sturdy chair!

Workout tips:
• Complete 8–12 repetitions of each exercise
• Repeat the circuit 2–3 times
• Aim for 2 days per week on non-consecutive days
• Remember to breathe throughout each movement!

Ready to give it a try? Check out the workout here:
https://food.unl.edu/article/nutrition-education-program/body-weight-circuit/

A little movement can go a long way! 🧡

Participation is voluntary. If you are not regularly active, consult with your physician before beginning a new physical activity routine.

11/01/2026

Garden Tip for Fall 🌿
Help reduce peony botrytis blight and hollyhock rust by removing and disposing of all old stems this fall. Doing so helps prevent disease from carrying over through the winter and sets you up for a healthier garden next year!

11/01/2026

As we change our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, it’s a great reminder to check a few things around the house! Along with checking the batteries in your smoke detectors, take a few minutes to make sure your power outage emergency kit is ready to go.

Nebraska Extension - Disasters has put together a helpful checklist to help you build a foundation of essential supplies to stay safe, healthy, and informed during a power outage.

10/31/2026

Lawn Care Tip: Repair a Thin Lawn!

Is your lawn looking a little thin? There's still time to plan for a thicker, healthier lawn next spring!

If you missed overseeding in September, dormant seeding in late November or early December is another option.

Here's how it works:
• Prepare the seedbed as you would for traditional seeding.
• Use a drop spreader to distribute the seed evenly.
• Make sure the seed has good contact with the soil.

The goal isn't to encourage growth this fall. Instead, you'll have seed in place and ready to germinate when warmer temperatures arrive in April.

A little planning now can help give your lawn a fresh start next spring!

Get expert tips from Nebraska Extension:
https://lancaster.unl.edu/dormant-lawn-seeding/