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UNL Douglas–Sarpy Extension outlines 4‑H, nutrition and master gardener programs to commissioners
Summary
UNL Douglas–Sarpy Extension representatives briefed the Sarpy County Board on youth 4‑H programs, nutrition and food-safety education, urban agriculture initiatives and the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, citing reach and volunteer hours.
Representatives of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Douglas–Sarpy Extension presented program highlights to the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners on April 22, describing 4‑H youth programming, nutrition and food-safety training, urban agriculture initiatives and the Extension Master Gardener volunteer effort.
Carrie Miller, unit leader and engagement zone coordinator for Sarpy and Douglas counties, described the extension’s nutrition, health and food-safety education, including state-approved continuing education courses for child-care providers and food-service certification for establishments. Miller said the extension has awarded 3,000 continuing-education credits to child-care providers in Douglas and Sarpy counties and provides court‑based co-parenting modules.
Brett Bridal, who presented on 4‑H programming, outlined county fair participation, school outreach and ag festivals. Bridal said nearly 1,100 youth attended recent Ag Festival events and described an embryology program that places hatching projects in classrooms. He reported roughly 450 enrolled 4‑H youth and about 2,500 fair exhibits in the county each year.
Dana Freeman described horticulture, urban agriculture and pest-management programming. Freeman and colleagues highlighted the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program: more than 315 volunteers staff events, run teaching gardens (including six in Sarpy County), answer community questions and support produce donations. Staff reported more than five tons of produce donated in 2024 and about 20,000 volunteer hours valued at approximately $670,000 in in‑kind services.
Commissioners thanked extension staff and noted the county’s return on investment in extension programming, particularly for youth outreach and community food-access work. No formal board action was taken; the presentation was for information and outreach.
Contact information and a web QR code were provided by extension staff for follow-up and program details.
