Nebraska Extension SW 3 Counties

09/30/2026

Discover & Design | Tree Knot Clay Impressions 🌳
This tree knot exploration offers children a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature. By feeling the different textures on tree bark, children will improve their tactile awareness and fine motor skills. This activity not only builds sensory skills but also fosters curiosity about the natural world and the wonders trees provide.

Book Recommendation: Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
This story helps children explore the life cycle of a leaf and learn more about nature.

Find other activities and download guide here: go.unl.edu/dnd_projects

09/22/2026

Fit & Healthy Kids Webinar Series | October
🫶 Social Emotional Learning: What it is and What it Looks Like

Monday, October 5th (Online)
⏰ 7:00 PM CT
🔗 Sign up: go.unl.edu/fhkonehour

This research-based training explores practical strategies for teaching social emotional learning and supporting young children’s social emotional development in childcare settings. Participants will learn how to foster kindness, cooperation, and self-regulation while creating a nurturing environment that helps children build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and thrive socially and emotionally.

*Nebraska Extension partnership with University of Missouri - Human Development and Family Science

09/21/2026

If you or someone you may know are interested in becoming a certified 4-H shooting sports instructor. Please reach out to us. This is one of our largest 4-H programs locally. We are always looking for more help from carrying adults who enjoy working with and mentoring youth.

Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop Offered at Imperial – October 3-4

A Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop is scheduled for early October in Imperial. It will be held October 3-4 at the Chase County Fairgrounds. The early bird deadline to register for the Imperial session is September 23rd, 5 pm.

Volunteers have the opportunity to become certified as an adult (21 years and older) or apprentice (14-20 years old) leader in one of the following: Sh***un, R***e, Pistol, Hunting Skills, Western Heritage, Muzzleloading, or Archery.

There are a minimum number of participants required to attend this workshop. Workshop participants will learn under expert instruction from members of the Nebraska State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team.

The registration fee is $140 per person for initial certification and those individuals adding an additional discipline. The registration fee for Apprentice Instructors (14 to 20 years of age) is $120 for this workshop. This fee includes meals, supplies, and program materials. Individuals are officially registered when payment is received. Chase County 4-H will reimburse the registration fees after one year of participating in the projects. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements. Check-in on Saturday is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

While participants might need to bring limited, if any, equipment to the in-person discipline training site, there are a series of four National 4-H Shooting Sports online modules which individuals MUST complete prior to the training to become eligible for certification. Information on the modules and how to enroll, 4-H Shooting Sports Online User Guide, can accessed by using the link found on the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports website under Calendar of 4-H Shooting Sports Events at https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/ , under the Imperial Workshop - this provides step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for and complete the entire series of modules before the workshop. Individuals who have already completed the Online modules are not required to complete them again.

As individuals follow each of the instructions in the Online User Guide, they will be asked to choose a payment method. Participants are responsible for the $20 (per person) one-time registration fee. The entire series of modules will take approximately 3-4 hours, so please plan some time accordingly.

For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page or contact Steve Pritchard at (402)395-2158 or (308)536-2691. Registration is available only online at the link provided in the brochure or individuals can register directly by clicking HERE.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/X3hPSwY449qr7tZB7

09/18/2026

Big Emotions | Behavior Stories
📖 Storybooks can be more than entertainment!
Use stories to help children learn new skills, understand expectations, practice social skills, reinforce routines, and prepare for new experiences.

🎧 Listen here for more: go.unl.edu/stories

09/17/2026

🍽️ Prevention Plates: Reducing Your Risk in the Kitchen 🥕

Nebraska Extension Health & Wellbeing Instructor Baleigh Lashley is teaming up with Mary from Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department to offer two FREE presentations focused on how nutrition and kitchen practices can play a role in disease prevention.

Join us to:
✨ Explore the relationship between nutrition, cancer, and obesity
🥗 Learn practical ways to make healthier changes in your kitchen
👩‍🍳 Discover new culinary practices and strategies to use at home

📍 Wauneta Senior Center
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

OR

📍 Dundy County Senior Center
📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Both presentations are FREE and open to the public! We hope to see you there!

09/17/2026

We need 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors! 🎯

Whether you’re a 4-H volunteer, parent, leader, or someone interested in supporting youth through shooting sports, we’d love to have you join us!

📅 October 2–3
📍 Imperial, Nebraska
🎯 Shooting Sports Instructor Certification

Don’t miss this opportunity to get trained, get involved, and make a difference in the lives of youth!

Join us Oct. 3-4 for Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification and Instruction Update trainings. 4-H Archery, BB Gun, Air R***e, Trap and Pistol Shooting Sports programs rely on volunteers. Even if someone doesn't want to lead a program, assistants are needed and must be certified to help programs run smoothly. Please consider becoming a Shooting Sports Instructor so 4-H programs can continue.
https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/4hstaff/20733/108972

09/16/2026

The Cornstalk Grazing Toolbox is your guide to grazing corn residue efficiently and profitably, with research-based recommendations for stocking, supplementation, residue quality, and managing agreements between cattle and crop producers. Explore the toolbox at https://beef.unl.edu/producer-resources/beef-producer-toolbox/feed-forage-range-management-tools/corn-stalk-grazing/

09/15/2026

Fit & Healthy Kids | Early Childhood Continuing Education Hours
Join us online for monthly webinars designed for Early Childhood Professionals.

📅 Webinars are offered once a month, October–March
💻 Attend live or watch the recording within one week
📝 Registration is now open! > go.unl.edu/fhkonehour

09/09/2026

The Nebraska Grazing Exchange is a free online platform that helps connect livestock producers with landowners offering forage. Search available sites across Nebraska by location, forage type, or grazing season for cattle, sheep, goats, or mixed herds: https://nebraskagrazingexchange.com/

09/04/2026

Interested in becoming a 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor?

Join us October 3–4 for the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop in Chase County! Certification is available in Archery, R***e, Sh***un, Pistol, Muzzleloading, Hunting Skills, or Western Heritage.

Volunteers and assistants are needed to keep these programs going! 🏹 Registration is $140 for adults through Sept. 23, with prices increasing after that date.

Contact the Chase County Extension Office at 308-882-4731 or visit their website for more information!

extension.unl.edu/statewide/perkins-chase/