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1. Building Fence
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Fence building is a project every acreage owners is faced with at one time or another. Fencing for property lines and livestock containment are important uses. You may want to use fencing to exclude wildlife from gardens and orchards. And fencing for landscape beautification and utility directs the use and access to your property. You can hire someone to do these projects for you or you may want to do them yourself. Below are some websites to help you understand the costs, construction and use of fences.
Constructing High-tensile Wire Fences,
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-132/442-132.html
Costs of Cattle Fencing for Grazing Areas,
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/ec830.pdf
Managing Deer Damage in Nebraska,
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1822.pdf
Prevention and Control of Rabbit Damage,
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1526.pdf
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2. Establishing Wildlife Food Plots
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Planting food plots is an excellent way to improve available nutrition, increase the carrying capacity and concentrate wildlife on your property. Food plots do not take the place of habitat management in general, but are intended to augment the quantity and quality of food occurring naturally in an area. Whenever habitat improvement is desired, other management practices (e.g., timber management, prescribed burning and discing) should be implemented as well. Food plot plantings should depend upon which wildlife species you want to attract and the seasonal requirements of those species.
Not all wildlife species benefit from all food plot plantings. Certain food plot mixtures provide benefit to different wildlife species. For example, doves do not get much benefit from a clover patch planted for white-tailed deer.
Learn more . . .
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3. Racoon Roundworm
by Stephen Vantassel, Project Coordinator, CWCP, ACP, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
When it comes to animal threats, most people are aware of rabies. Unfortunately, few are aware of the relative risks involved in raccoon roundworm.
Raccoon roundworm, whose scientific name is Baylisascaris procyonis, is a parasite that infects raccoons and other host species. Like other worms, it has a complex life-cycle. What matters for us, however, is that humans can become infected with this creature.
The primary route for infection is through ingesting viable eggs. These eggs can only be seen with the aid of a microscope. Once the eggs are ingested, the eggs hatch with the worm burrowing through the intestinal wall. Now under ideal circumstances the worm stays in muscle tissue where no long term harm is done. However, in other scenarios, the worm will migrate to eye tissue and even brain tissue where its eating habits can lead to long-term disability or even death.
Children are particularly at risk because they frequently put their dirty hands in their mouths. The bottom line is this. Whenever it is known that raccoons have been living in your home or creating toilettes on your property, it is imperative that the matter be treated seriously. [Raccoons have a habit of defecating in the same location thereby creating an area of incredible fecal contamination) Treat the toilettes as biological hazards. The eggs can also be airborne. So don't just roam around in an attic or stir up fecal piles without proper protection.
Learn more...
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4. Water, Water, Water
by Tadd Barrow, UNL School of Natural Resources
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln long has been known for its expertise on all things related to water. Now, we’re gathering much of that knowledge at one, easy-to-remember Web site – Water.unl.edu.
UNL research and extension experts from many water-related disciplines are working together to develop water.unl.edu. You’ll find all kinds of information you can use in your daily life, whether you’re an ag producer, homeowner, or in some profession that requires the latest water-related expertise; whether you live in the city, in a small town or in the country.
UNL experts created and provided content for the site in such areas as soil science, horticulture, landscaping, lake and pond management, irrigation, drinking water, wastewater treatment, crop production, watershed protection, storm water runoff, well management, and livestock manure management. Additional areas are being developed, including climatology, fish and wildlife, remote sensing and GIS, toxicology, economics and water law and policy.
Extension has worked with the UNL Water Center on the site. Even though there’s plenty of information already available through Water.unl.edu, it’s only a start. We encourage Nebraskans to bookmark the site and check back regularly, as we continue to add more important information.
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5. Domestic Water Wells and Their Safety
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
What do you know about your well? How deep is it? What is its capacity? How old is it? What depth is the pump? How deep is the casing and is the water safe to drink? Answers to many of these questions may take the help of the previous owner or a well contractor.
Usually, the best information will come from the contractor who drilled the well. They may have records on the well depth, draw down during pumping, casing depth, water yield, etc. You can ask the previous owner if he or she knows who the contractor was.
If no information can be found, a new well contractor can measure the well and water depth, and perform a pumping test to measure the yield and draw down.
It is also important to test the safety of the water for home use. Normally it is recommended to test for coliform bacteria and nitrates. These low-cost tests will tell you if your water system has been contaminated by surface or shallow groundwater getting in the well.
Check this website for approved water testing laboratories in Nebraska.
Drinking Water: Approved Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1614.pdf
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6. Septic System Maintenance
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Septic systems consist of two basic parts; a septic tank and a soil absorption system. The septic tank provides a small portion of the treatment by creating a large quiet compartment to allow solid material to settle out of the wastewater and collect in the tank. Once the large solid material is settled out, the sewage follows into a deep layer of unsaturated soil where the soil and microorganisms growing in the soil remove the pollutants before the wastewater enters ground or surface water.
Septic systems are simple to operate and when properly designed, constructed, and maintained, they do an excellent job of removing pollutants from wastewater. Property owners must do a few important things to keep their system operating for 20 to 30 years.
Learn more . . .
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7. Horse Pasture Management
by P. Aravis, Colorado State University Extension Agronomist
Horse property owners are continuously confronted with pasture management decisions that ultimately affect the productivity, persistence, and appearance of their pastures. An understanding of pasture species, growth habits, and specific growing conditions is required for proper species selection and management. Establishing or renovating pastures can be expensive, so collecting more information before making a decision increases the potential for success.
Learn more . . .
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8. Land Application of Animal Manure
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Land application of animal manure is an efficient utilization alternative because of usually lower costs compared to treatment and the nutrient benefits derived from the manure. Manure nutrients help build and maintain soil fertility. Manure can also improve soil tilth, increase water-holding capacity, lessen wind and water erosion, improve aeration, and promote beneficial organisms.
There are two principal objectives in applying animal manure to land: 1) ensuring maximum utilization of the manure nutrients and 2) minimizing water pollution hazard.
Learn more . . .
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9. Seasonal Invaders- Lady Beetles, Clover Mites and Boxelder Bugs
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
At different times of the year various insects which are not normally indoor pests may enter homes. These seasonal invaders are not usually serious pests, and long-term infestations rarely occur. However, large numbers of insects moving into structures are normally unwelcome. This fact sheet will help you understand three common seasonal invaders: lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis), clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) and boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata).
Learn more . . .
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10. Storing Home Garden Vegetables
by H.C. Harrison, University of Wisconsin - Madison
One of the joys of summer is homegrown sweet corn, picked right outside your back door and plopped straight into a pot of boiling water or onto the grill. The advantage of having a home garden is that you can pick and savor your vegetables when they're at their optimal flavor. But how can you tell when to harvest your vegetables? How should you store zucchini if they all reach optimal size at the same time? What are the best conditions to store your homegrown vegetables?
Learn more . . .
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11. Fall Landscape Planting
by Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Planting isn’t the first thing you think about in the fall. This is the time for harvesting and storing. But it is an excellent time for planting too. Checkout these websites for information on successful fall planting.
Frequently Asked Perennial Questions
Daylilies,
http://lancaster.unl.edu/factsheets/086.htm
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12. Woody Plant Maintenance – Deciduous Trees & Shrubs
Deciduous trees include everything from 6-foot tall ornamental trees to towering 100-foot tall specimens. They also contribute a vast range of shapes, forms, colors and textures to our landscapes. While deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, they still provide us with structure and interest all year long. There is some overlap between small trees and tall shrubs, as many larger shrubs can be pruned into "tree form," meaning there is a visible "trunk" with foliage at the top 2/3 or less of the plant. Trees can have a single trunk or be in clump form (multi-stemmed).
Learn more . . .
Deciduous shrubs can be ground-hugging groundcovers or thick, large, screening plants. They are the backbone of our foundation and border plantings, often mixed with trees and herbaceous plants. They provide us with a wide range of seasonal interest, even in winter when they have lost their leaves. Wildlife often depends on deciduous shrubs for shelter and food
Learn more . . .
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13. Youth Gear Up for Safe and Responsible ATV Riding
by Dave Varner, UNL Extension Educator
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are rapidly becoming common recreational and utility vehicles for Nebraska Youth. Recent research demonstrates that youth under the age of 16 continue to suffer a disproportionate share of injuries, do not wear a helmet, and they fail to receive formal ATV training. Serious ATV injuries affect more than 100,000 people each year in the United States. There were seventy-three farm accident fatalities in Nebraska over the past four years. One-third of these fatalities were ATV accidents. Half of the ATV fatalities involved youth ages 21 years or younger.
The University of University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is offering youth and parents the opportunity to learn about ATV safety thanks to grants awarded by National 4-H Council as part of the 4-H ATV Safety Grant Program, a collaboration among local 4-H groups, the national 4-H Youth Development Program and the ATV Safety Institute ( ASI).
Thirteen Extension professionals and volunteers were recently certified as ASI licensed instructors to deliver the ASI ATV RiderCourse to youth, parents and leaders statewide. Over the course of the coming year 500 youth and adults will experience this hands-on training. Participants will develop critical thinking skills and good decision-making skills that will result in positive change in ATV-related behaviors and a reduction in ATV-related injuries and deaths in Nebraska.
This hands-on, half-day 4-H ATV RiderCourse is conducted by licensed ATV Safety Institute Instructors. The course offers participants an opportunity to increase their safety knowledge and to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a licensed Instructor. The RiderCourse includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving and riding over obstacles. Participants learn about protective gear, local regulations, places to ride and environmental concerns.
Participants may use their own ATV, but if they don't have one of the appropriate size, they can make special arrangements or request that an ATV of the appropriate size be made available at the training site. Proper size ATVs are: under 70ccs for ages 6-11, 70cc to 90cc for ages 12-15, and over 90ccs for ages 12 and older. Instructors cannot guarantee the availability of equipment.
Riders must wear proper riding gear at all times during training. Proper equipment includes: DOT approved helmet, goggles or face shield, over-the-ankle boots or high-top shoes, gloves, long pants, long-sleeve shirt or jacket. If a participant needs specific gear, he or she can contact the Instructor and request arrangements to provide gear.
Parental supervision is a key element to a child's safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Parents literally hold the key to their children’s safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and the ATV Safety Institute encourages families to learn more about ATV Safety as they may prepare for a safe ATV experience.
The ATV Safety Institute 4-H ATV RiderCourse is valued by the ATV Safety Institute at $75.00 per person for youth 6 – 15 years of age and $125.00 per person for those over 15 years of age. The Nebraska 4-H ATV Safety Program will charge a $50 site fee per training session to help defray expenses.
If you would like the 4-H ATV RiderCourse Training to be conducted in your county or you have youth, adults, clubs, and other organizations that are interested in the program, please contact UNL Extension Educator Bob Meduna at 402-727-9582 or UNL Extension Educator Dave Varner at 402-727-2775 a bout the ATV Safety Institute 4-H ATV RiderCourse Training.
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14. Consumer Product Safety Commission and ATVs
by Dave Varner, UNL Extension Educator
Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that over 90 percent of all ATV-related fatalities is the result of warned against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Never ride on public roads - another vehicle could hit you.
- Never rider under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
- Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
- Ride only on designated trails, and at a safe speed.
- Take a 4-H ATV RiderCourse. Call your local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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15. Freezing Foods for Future Meals, September 11
How would you like to come home and have most of your meal already prepared? Or, perhaps, you’d like to avoid staying up late or getting up early to fix food for a special event?
Alice Henneman, extension educator and registered dietitian with UNL Lancaster County Extension, will teach you how to freeze foods for future use. You’ll receive an extensive booklet giving specific freezing directions for common foods. Plus, you’ll receive several recipe ideas for make-ahead foods.
“Freezing Foods for Future Use” will be presented Thursday, September 11, 7–8:30 p.m. at the Plaza Conference Center, BryanLGH Medical Center East, 1600 South 48 Street, Lincoln.
No cost to attend, but preregistration is requested
Register by calling BryanLGH at 481-8886
Details and a downloadable flyer, http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/freezing-program.shtml
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16. Arboretum and Botanical Garden Tours Scheduled for Eastern Nebraska, Continues September 18
Mark your calendars for the following tours of Nebraska arboretums and botanical gardens scheduled for 2008. The free tours will offer a chance for tree lovers, garden enthusiasts and green industry professionals to see and learn more about many great plants and many great gardens the state has to offer.
The tours will emphasize rare and impressive trees, but will also be a great opportunity to see many other beautiful garden plants and the wide variety of birds, butterflies and insects that visit them. The tours are coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in partnership with local affiliated sites.
More information will be available on the NSA web site, or by contacting NSA at (402) 472-2971 or jevertson1@unl.edu. Watch for additional tour locations to be added later.
- Thursday, Sept 18, 9:00am to Noon: Lincoln Regional Center Arboretum. A brief NSA curators meeting will be held after the tour.
- Thursday, Oct 23, 3:00pm to 5:30pm: Blair Fall Color Tour including Steyer Park and Black Elk Park.
- Saturday, Oct 25, TBA: UNL City Campus fall color tour and Husker tailgate party prior to game with Baylor.
- Thursday, Nov 6, 3:00pm to dusk: Nebraska City Fall Color Tour including Arbor Lodge State Park, Nebraska City High School and NADF Arbor Day Farm.
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17. Oaks for the Plains- Bur Oak Symposium, September 8-9
This event will take place on September 8 & 9 at the McCook Community College campus in McCook, NE. Mr. Guy Sternberg, renowned oak expert, is included in the list of speakers. Please visit www.buroakcanyon.com for additional details about this symposium.
Sponsors include the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Mid-Plains Community College, Southwest Nebraska RC&D, Nebraska Arborists Association and corporate sponsor Morgan Mud. NAA and ISA CEU’s will be offered.
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18. Landscape Management Workshops, Begin September 30
A series of landscape management workshops have been scheduled for this fall. The workshops are aimed at creating and managing landscapes that are beautiful, functional and more sustainable.
With sessions on rain water, pest management and sustainable designs, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Justin Evertson says, “there’s something for everyone—groundskeepers, park employees, arborists, turfcare professionals, golf course managers and home owners.”
“Stormwater management is a growing concern,” Evertson says, “so this year there are several sessions on rain gardens and other water management strategies.” The workshops are sponsored by Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Forest Service. Arboretum and Forest Service staff lead the sessions, along with John Royster of Big Muddy Workshop, Kim Todd with University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Bryan Kinghorn of Kinghorn Gardens, etc.
Certified arborists, nursery professionals and parks professionals can receive CEUs for the workshop. Workshops will run from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. (registration at 8:00) at these sites around the state:
- Sept 30- National Park Service, Midwest Regional Office, 601 Riverfront Dr., Omaha
- October 2- Northeast Community College Lifelong Learning Center, Norfolk
- Oct 14- Central Community College, 3 miles east of Hastings on Hwy 6, Hastings
- Oct 16- UNL Panhandle Research & Extension Center, Scottsbluff
For more information call Evertson at 402/472-5045. More information and online registration at http://arboretum.unl.edu.
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18. Daughter/Mother Camp, October 10-11
A retreat designed for sixth-grade girls and their mothers (or grandmothers or other adult females), “Strengthening Family Treasures: Daughter/Mother Camp,” will be presented Friday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m., to Saturday, Oct. 11, 5 p.m., at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna.
This camp is two days and one night of fun, educational and confidence building activities. It is an opportunity for mothers with middle school daughters to enhance effective communication, learn more about body image and sexuality, explore techniques to handle peer pressure and discuss the importance of individual family values.
Registration is $125 per pair. Cost includes meals, snacks, lodging and program materials.
A survey of participants at earlier camps indicated 100% of the daughters and mothers gained a better understanding of differing personalities and 90% better understand the types of pressures teenagers experience. Mothers said they were thankful that presenters were not afraid to talk about uncomfortable topics and also indicated they plan to set aside more time to talk to their daughters about “what-if scenarios.”
A past participant said, “I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the outdoors and private time with my daughter. The games and activities helped me see more of my daughter’s view. All was enlightening and jam packed. Lots of quality information in two days!”
Additional information and registration form is available on-line
Or call Maureen Burson, (402) 441-7180
Mary Nelson, (402) 444-7804
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19. From Recipe to Reality Seminar, October 27
The Food Processing Center is offering a one-day seminar for all individuals interested in exploring the idea of starting a food manufacturing business. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Watch for more programm offerings in 2009 coming soon.
Contact Jill Gifford at (402) 472-2819 or jgifford1@unl.edu for an information packet. For more information, visit the UNL Food Processing's Food Entrepreneur web site.
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