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Water & Environment Programming

We provide research-based programs and educational materials to help you understand the value of Nebraska’s natural resources and the value of good stewardship to ensure sustainability of those resources.

Healthy, Sustainable & Diverse Landscapes

By promoting plants adapted to Nebraska's climate extremes, emphasizing the importance of landscape diversity to minimize the impact of insect and disease problems, teaching water-wise landscape practices, and increasing the quality, productivity and safety of home food production, UNL Extension strives to improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans.  Resources include:

  • Backyard Farmer, televised since 1953.  A great resource for both home gardeners and industry professionals. 
  • Urban Agriculture is a resource for vegetable and fruit growers. 
  • UNL's Master Gardener program trains volunteers, who extend the reach of Extension through their work with youth, community gardens and the general public.
  • The unique needs of acreage owners is addressed through Acreage Insights.

Water Quantity and Quality

Extension educational programs can help you efficiently manage water resources. An extensive water website is dedicated to this issue. Know how to safely manage potential contaminants to protect water quality and learn how to conserve water with implementation of new irrigation technologies, increased efficiency of current water use, and adoption of cropping systems more tolerant of drought or limited water conditions. The High Plains Regional Climate Center has information on soil moisture status, evapotranspiration, and much more. Another resource is the National Drought Mitigation Center.

Pest Management

Use our educational programs to know more about integrated pest management (IPM), recycling agricultural pesticide containers, and proper pesticide handling, storage and application techniques. Some resources are:

Environmental Management for Wildlife and Plant Diversity

Our educational programs encourage locally based partnerships and application of research-based information for addressing issues related to management of eco-systems to sustain diversity of animal and plant species. Some resources are:

Energy - Renewable Alternatives

UNL Extension targets bioenergy opportunities for Nebraska, utilization of feed co-products from ethanol production, and sustainable cropping systems to supply a bio-energy industry. Other renewable energy alternatives include wind and solar energy. In addition, home energy resources can help consumers save energy and make an impact on their monthly bills as well as the long term environmental footprint. Resources include:

Now Available

NebGuide G2186
Stormwater Management: Disconnecting Downspouts and Impervious Surfaces

This NebGuide provides an overview of several methods to eliminate direct connections between downspouts and/or impervious surfaces and munic­ipal storm drain systems to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants that leave a property

Published by University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Check It Out

Harvesting Rain, April 2, 2013
Methods of rain harvesting include using rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens and bioretention gardens. Kelly Feehan, UNL Extension Educator

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Musk Thistle in Drought, April 5, 2013
A series of studies on musk thistles shows weather can be a significant influence on this noxious weed. Steve Young, UNL Extension Weed Ecologist

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Spring Turf Care, March 14, 2013
Last summer was one of the driest on record and many lawns across Nebraska died during the drought. Zac Reicher, UNL Extension Turf Specialist.

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Locate your Natural Resource District (NRD) office.