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The Relationship Between Time And Plant Diversity In Prairie Restorations Within The Prairie Corridor On Haines Branch, Elizabeth Park

Honors Theses

This study focuses on better understanding the relationship between the age of prairie restorations and their plant diversity. The study looks specifically at the prairie restorations within the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, located west of Lincoln, Nebraska. The data gathered from these restorations show a positive correlation between age and native plant diversity. This diversity indicates that the restorations are fulfilling their purpose by bringing native prairie plants back to the area. From the data I came to these four conclusions, 1) Because the study only included two restorations greater than 10 years old, it is unclear if the …

Environmental Activism, Ellen Dexter, Lydia Dexter

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

An after school book club that follows Greta Thunberg's book of speeches No One is Too Small to Make a Difference , as well as uses hands-on activities to teach the importance of environmental activism.

Art And The Environment, Ellen Dexter, Lydia Dexter

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

After school club that teaches the importance of sustainable practices and conversation activities through art projects and imagination.

Exploration Of Student Biodiversity Knowledge And Decision-Making For A Wildlife Conservation Socioscientific Issue, Ashley R. Alred

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Global biodiversity, a foundation for ecosystem function, is diminishing at a rate unprecedented in the last 50 years. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem services deterioration is linked to increased food insecurity, reduced water quality and availability, decreased energy security, higher economic losses and human suffering (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). Consequently, educators should invest in supporting students in their development of ecological understanding and formal decision-making skills so they are equipped with meaningful tools they can use as scientifically literate citizens. To contribute to that mission, this study seeks to explore student 1) comprehension and explanation of biodiversity concepts and 2) decision-making …

Strategic Discussions For Nebraska: Opportunities For Nebraska -- Food Scarcity, Mary Garbacz

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a program in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources that produces an annual publication called Opportunities for Nebraska, focusing on a different topic each year. The publication is produced in hard copy and also is available online at www.sdn.unl.edu.

The content for each publication is produced by UNL students enrolled in a Magazine Writing course each spring semester, taught by the SDN coordinator. Students conduct interviews with UNL researchers and write stories for inclusion in the publication. The interviews are captured on video and are edited into video montages, …

Niche Specialization And Conservation Biology Of Cicindela Nevadica Lincolniana, Tierney R. Brosius

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As with many organisms across the globe, Cicindela nevadica lincolniana is threatened with extinction. Understanding ecological factors that contribute to extinction vulnerability and what methods aid in the recovery of those species is essential in developing successful conservation programs. Here we examine behavioral mechanisms for niche partitioning along with improving techniques for captive rearing protocol and increasing public awareness about the conservation of this local insect. Ovipositional selectivity was examined for Cicindela nevadica lincolniana, Cicindela circumpicta, Cicindela togata, Cicindela punctulata, and Cicindela fulgida. Models reflect that these species of co-occurring tiger beetles select different ranges of salinity in which to …

An Assessment Of Local Peoples Opinions Of Community Conservation Initiatives In Relation To Livelihood Strategies In Kenya, Jill Mechtenberg

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract This paper analyzed the changing livelihood strategies in Kenya, and their cultural impacts via a literature review. I then combined this understanding with the data I collected while in Kenya to examine the opinions local people have of community conservation initiatives, based on their changing livelihood strategies. I expected to find that the following factors would have an affect on the opinions local community members have of community conservation initiatives: livelihood strategy, gender, ethnicity, whether or not they believe the distribution of benefits coming from wildlife conservation is equitable, what issues they would like to see improved within community …

G05-1551 Multiple-Year Droughts In Nebraska, Michael Hayes, Cody Knutson, Q. Steven Hu

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the history and impact of drought in Nebraska.

Most people understand that droughts have had a major impact on Nebraska in the past. Yet, many Nebraskans continue to be surprised when drought occurs. It is important to remember that droughts, including multiple-year droughts, are a normal part of Nebraska’s climate. This NebGuide discusses the history of drought in Nebraska, and aims to help Nebraskans better understand the range of climatic variability when they plan for drought.

Cc03-431 Make Every Drop Count In Your Home

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

There are four ways to reduce water in your home ...

1. Maintain -- Fix leaks and dripping faucets. Leaks can account for 14 to 25 percent of all indoor water use.

2. Change -- Change the way water is used in the home.

3. Equipment -- Purchase water-reducing equipment and appliances.

4. Think -- Develop creative water conserving practices that are safe and sanitary.

Start wtih the largest water users. The toilet, shower/bath, and clothes washer account for two-thirds of the water used in an average household.

G03-1512 Establishing Conservation Plantings Of Nut Trees And Shrubs By Direct Seeding Methods, Steven D. Rasmussen, Scott J. Josiah, John Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to plant and raise nut trees and shrubs from seed. Seeding methods, planting design, site preparation and post-planting care are discussed.

Conservation tree and shrub plantings create wildlife habitat, improve water quality, produce marketable nuts, and enhance landscape diversity. Usually, nursery-grown seedlings are used to establish these plantings. However, a number of problems exist when using seedlings, including increased costs and reduced initial tree vigor and survival. Direct seeding of tree and shrub seeds avoids many of these problems, and is a proven, effective means to establish conservation plantings in Nebraska and elsewhere.

Ec01-150 Range Judging Handbook And Contest Guide For Nebraska, James T. Nichols, Peter N. Jensen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Range judging contests can be a challenging and effective learning tool for everyone - youth, adults, beginners, professionals - whether from rural or urban areas. This circular provides information about Nebraska's rangelands and grasslands. It is designed to help individuals and teams prepare for range judging contests and to learn more about rangeland and its management. Each of the nine sections that follow corresponds to a section on the range judging scorecard used in contests.

G00-1417 Site Preparation: Key To Successful Conservation Tree Planting In Western Nebraska (Revised February 2002), Doak Nickerson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Establishing a conservation tree planting can be a challenge in semiarid regions like western Nebraska, where annual precipitation of 20 inches or less is the norm. Tree planting failure commonly occurs as a result of poor site preparation coupled with inadequate weed and grass control the first three to five years after planting. Effective site preparation begins the year before planting. The results help young trees survive and grow in several ways. This NebGuide explains when and how to do site preparation for conservation tree planting in Western Nebraska.

Ec98-787 Glossary Of Ecosystem Terms, Thomas G. Franti, R. Herpel, G.R. Lingle

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This extension circular contains ecosystem definitions from abiotic to wildlife refuge.

Nf97-337 Making Decisions: Buying A Range, Virginia Peart, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines factors to consider when purchasing a range.

Ec97-1760 Nebraska Conservation Tree Program

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Nebraska Natural Resource Districts distribute tree and shrub seedlings for windbreaks, erosion control, wood products, Christmas trees, wildlife habitat, and other conservation purposes. These trees are not to be used for ornamental purposes or resold with the roots attached.

This booklet contains color pictures and descriptions of most of the species distributed. Table I describes the different soil characteristics across Nebraska. Table II is a quick reference of species recommendations. This information will help rural landowners select the proper species for their particular plantings needs. You may also scan an index of the trees this booklet describes.

Nf97-348 Making Decisions: Buying A Clothes Dryer, Virginia Peart, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines factors to consider when purchasing a clothes dryer.

Nf97-345 Making Decisions: Energyguides And Major Home Appliances, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines EnergyGuide labels and major home appliances.

Nf97-338 Making Decisions: Household Water Saving Equipment And Practices, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact provides information about water-saving practices in the household.

Nf97-336 Making Decisions: Buying A Refrigerator, Virginia Peart, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines factors to consider when purchasing a refrigerator.

Nf97-333 Making Decisions: Buying A Dishwasher, Virginia Peart, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines factors to consider when purchasing a dishwasher.

Nf97-324 Returning Crp Land To Crops: Cool-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions, Keith J. Jarvi, Melinda Mcvey Mccluskey, William L. Kranz, Steven D. Rasmussen, Charles A. Shapiro, David P. Shelton, John F. Witkowski, Richard T. Clark, Terry Gompert, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Alex Martin, David Holshouser

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact contains suggestions for returning CRP land to crop production.

Nf97-335 Making Decisions: Buying Home Appliances, Virginia Peart, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines factors to consider when purchasing a home appliance.

Nf97-321 Converting Crp To Cropland In The Nebraska Panhandle, Drew J. Lyon, Tom Holman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses techniques for converting CRP ground to cropland, including minimum tillage and crop rotations.

Ec96-142 Conservation Reserve Program: Crp Land Use Guide, Douglas Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts held by Nebraska producers will begin to expire in 1996. Thousands of acres of grassland will be eligible for haying, grazing or to be returned to other uses. Land-use decisions made by owners and operators will impact the economic viability and long-term productivity of individual farms, as well as the region as a whole.

The intent of the CRP Land Use Guide is not to provide all of the answers, in many instances we don't even know the questions. It is, however, intended to provide an outline of the key issues you will face when …

G96-1311 Global Warming: What Is Known And Why Nebraska Agriculture Should Care, William E. Easterling, Cynthia Hayes

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to review the facts of global warming, to point out what is sheer speculation, and to suggest why Nebraska agriculture should care about global warming.

Climatologists talk about global warming one year and the next year they talk about global cooling! Depending on the time periods involved, both views may be correct. Over the next few hundred years, the earth may undergo a general cooling trend. This trend is consistent with the regular shifts into and out of ice age conditions that have characterized the earth's climate history of the last 50,000 years. However, …

Ec96-142 Crp Land Use Guide (Conservation Reserve Program), Douglas Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts held by Nebraska producers will begin to expire in 1996. Thousands of acres of grassland will be eligible for haying, grazing or to be returned to other uses. Land-use decisions made by owners and operators will impact the economic viability and long-term productivity of individual farms, as well as the region as a whole.

The intent of the CRP Land Use Guide is not to provide all the asnwers - in many instances we don't even know the questions. It is however, intended to provide an outline of the key issues you will face when …

Ec96-144 Fertilizer Management For Conservation Tillage, Charles A. Shapiro, Richard B. Ferguson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Conservation tillage as a means of reducing soil erosion has increased in popularity due to government conservation compliance and economic factors. Management of crops under reduced tillage has necessitated changes in the use of several inputs. The goal of this publication is to focus on the use of fertilizers under reduced tillage with special emphasis on corn production practices.

Nf95-219 Common Ground: State Conservation Reserve, William Miller

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been a popular part of the federal farm program for the past several years because it contributes to farm income, soil conservation, and wildlife habitat. Landowners have found the annual payments for enrolling land in the CRP to be a financially attractive alternative to producing crops. Higher commodity prices due to fewer crop acres has been an additional benefit to landowners. Environmentalists have been pleased with the lower soil losses from the land and the improved stream environment associated with the CRP. Wildlife advocates are strong supporters of the CRP. For example, the Wildlife …

Ec94-1772 Windbreaks In Sustainable Agricultural Systems, James R. Brandle, Teresa Boes, Vernon Quam, John Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sustainable agriculture is a system of whole-farm resource use balanced with whole-farm productivity. The overall level of productivity achieved is dependent upon the ability to coordinate and manage simultaneously the soil, water, plant, and animal resources within climatic and economic limits. Both the kind and amount of plants and animals supported by the system are important and play significant roles, both individually and collectively in maintaining a healthy farm environment. In the future, integrated systems will help reduce human impact on resources while providing sufficient supplies of high quality food and fiber.

Windbreaks provide protection for people, animals, buildings, crops, …

Nf93-137 Conservation Of Textile Items, Shirley Niemeyer, Patricia Cox Crews

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses preservation of textiles.