Nebraska 4-H

Do young people in your life have the opportunity to reach their full potential? 4-H is a community of young people, ages 5-19, across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is education for life that uses a learn-by-doing approach. In Nebraska, 4-H is present in ALL 93 counties across the state!  The 4-H program is administered by local UNL Extension offices which are an outreach of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  Contact your local UNL Extension office for more information.

4-H creates an environment where youth learn and experience the following:

• Mastery – youth become confident and skilled in a project area
• Generosity – youth understand the importance of giving to others and the sense they have something to offer others through community service and being involved in 4-H programs.
• Belonging – youth feel a sense of belonging in a 4-H experience through their relationship with peers, youth of other ages, and positive adult partners.
• Independence – youth learn independence in 4-H by taking responsibility for projects and developing leadership skills

Through over 140 project topics, Nebraska 4-H currently focuses on

• Career Development
• Life Skills
• Science, Engineering and Technology
• Healthy Lifestyles

Strong Roots, Promising Future

For over 100 years, youth and adults have been working together — learning, doing, growing and serving. Today, 4-H in Nebraska reaches approximately one in three of our state's youth. Educational opportunities have expanded over the years in order to build skills relevant for twenty-first century youth.

January Family Activities

Feeding and watching birds can be a fun winter family activity. Try one of the following options

Suet Bird Feeders.  While you are hiking on your acreage, look for a slender log that measures about 12 inches long.  Drill holes in various places around the log.  The holes should be about 1 inch in diameter and should be about 1 inch deep.  Attach an eye-bolt to one end of the log to be used as a hanging device.  Fill the holes with bird suet that can be purchased as plugs or as cakes. Enjoy watching the birds that come for this treat.  

Reject Nuts.  Some businesses that sell bird food offer reject peanuts or nuts. While the nuts are not of high enough quality to serve as human food, they make a great treat for birds and squirrels.  Secure a large-mouth plastic jar to a post or tree, with the opening pointing to the side.  Put a cup or more of nuts in the jar.  Your wild "friends" will enter the jar to get their treats.

Remember Water. Birds need a good water source now more than ever.  You can provide water during cold months by using a heated birdbath.  Be sure to keep the birdbath clean, and disinfect it once in a while with a bit of chlorine.  You might be surprised at how many birds will be drawn to your acreage by providing a winter birdbath.