402 - 444 - 7804
April 2022
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties News
How to Avoid a Green Ring on Hard-Boiled Egg Yolks

A greenish-gray ring may appear around a hard-cooked egg yolk. It's unattractive, but not harmful. The ring is caused by a chemical reaction involving sulfur (from the egg white) and iron (from the egg yolk), which naturally react to form ferrous sulfide at the surface of the yolk. The reaction is usually caused by overcooking, but can also be caused by a high amount of iron in the cooking water.

Eliminate the ring by avoiding overcooking and by cooling the eggs quickly after cooking. Run cold water over the just-cooked eggs or place them in a bowl or container of ice water until they have completely cooled. Then refrigerate the eggs in their shells until you're ready to use them. Hard-cooked eggs in the shell can be refrigerated up to one week.

See recipes, food safety hints and more at Food.Unl.edu/
Plant trees! 

Spring is a good time to plant trees. When deciding which type of tree to plant, evaluate needs such as the southwest side of the house for shade, the northwest for wind protection and front yard for accent. More info: https://grobigred.com/2019/05/15/fall-tree-planting-in-spring/

Do you have more gardening and plant questions?
Our Master Gardeners are now available to answer questions from 9 am to noon.
By phone: 402-444-7804
In person: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha.
Avian Influenza Outbreak
by Dr. Don Reynolds at the Extension Office

This Friday, Dr. Don Reynolds will present about the recent Avian Influenza Outbreak. He is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Veterinarian Science Veterinarian and has wealth of knowledge about the Avian virus, symptoms of the disease, and prevention. There will be time for questions and answers. This presentation is free to the public, but registration is required.

When: Friday, April 1st at 6:30 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Registration is required at: https://forms.gle/mfpVgqYLNzU5KWKn9
Questions, please contact Brett Kreifels, 402-444-1799 or bkreifels3@unl.edu

Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Omaha Indigenous Wellness Circle

This program is a collaboration between the UNL Tribal Extension Office and the Douglas/Sarpy Counties Extension Office. Tribal communities in Omaha are invited to attend seasonal wellness circles focused on:
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Growing Your Own Food
  • Indigenous Worldviews
  • Career Pathways
There will be four seasonal wellness circles each year. Breakfast will be included and all ages are invited to attend; however, childcare will not be provided.

Join us for our Spring Session
Date: April 16, 2022
Time: 9am - 12pm
Location: Douglas/Sarpy Counties Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
Register here.

  1. Eat more legumes, such as dried beans, lentils and split peas.
  2. Choose romaine lettuce or spinach instead of iceberg lettuce.
  3. Include fruits such as berries for breakfast or snacks.
  4. Enjoy 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain bread.
  5. Choose breakfast cereals that have a whole grain listed as the first ingredient.
  6. Choose brown rice instead of white.
  7. Eat the skins on fruits and vegetables, such as apples and potatoes.
  8. Substitute whole grain flour for ¼ to ½ of the all-purpose flour in recipes.
  9. Snack on dried fruit, popcorn, whole grain crackers or fresh vegetables.
  10. Eat whole fruits and vegetables instead of drinking 100% juice.

See Food.Unl.edu for some recipes that use whole wheat flour, like our Banana Oatmeal Bread found here.
4-H Events
 
4-H Leader Training
When: April 5, 2022 6-8 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Cost: Free
Join 4-H staff to learn about risks management and volunteer resources. Ideal for new and established leaders.
RSVP Today with Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu


Building Better Babysitters workshop
When: Friday, April 15 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
          Arrive early or stay late for pre/post activities from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Who: Open to youth ages 11 and up.
Cost: $15
Register here. 

See more 4-H events in the 4-H Newsletter here.

4-H Enrollment is Due June 15, 2022:
  • 4-H Enrollment for returning members can be found here.
  • Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here
2022 is the Year of Salad Greens for Gardeners

  1. Plan for successions, instead of one big planting.
  2. Whole lettuce heads can be successfully stored longer than individual cut leaves.
  3. In colder regions, row cover protection can help achieve an earlier first harvest in the spring and a later final harvest in the fall.
  4. Pelleted or coated seed can improve the ease of planting and ensure less thinning.
  5. Hardier greens like kale, mustard and spinach offer cold season/overwinter opportunities for the dedicated home gardener.
  6. Once leaves reach maturity, harvest right away to encourage new growth and another harvest in just a few weeks.
  7. Store seed in the fridge in an airtight container to extend longevity.
  8. Pair bitter greens with a sweet dressing and your favorite soft cheese for a gourmet flavor combination.
  9. Try choosing a theme and then let your creativity fly to create a new and interesting salad mix every time.
  10. Sturdier greens like romaine, kale, and chicory hold up well when mixed with grains, nuts, and thick dressings.
Want to learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program:

Sign up for our Newsletters:

  • Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing John Fech here
  • Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing Rachel Wright here.
8015 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68124-3175
402-444-7804
go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext 
Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.
Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.