Digital Commons Network^™

Nebraska Wildlife Club, Jacob Spooner

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

The goal of this club was for students to expand their knowledge on wildlife that exists both in and outside of Nebraska and for them to get a better idea the types of wildlife they might be able to find within the state. In addition, an objective of this club was to spark curiosity so that the kids might try to further explore aspects of wildlife on their own.

Nebraska’S Wildlife Club; Nebraska Honors Program Clc Expanded Learning Opportunity Clubs, Alexandrea E. Otto

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

The goal of the club is to educate and explore with students the wildlife and nature that surrounds them every day. The main focus was to educate students on wildlife native to Nebraska; ranging all the way from West Nebraska to the wildlife found in cities such as Lincoln.

Nf04-598 Rabies In Nebraska, Annette K. Bredthauer, David R. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Rabies is a deadly virus infection that can attack the central nervous system of most warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is a very old disease. The first recorded description of the disease dates from the 23rd century BC in Babylon. It was rampant in Europe in the 19th century and was carried to the Americas by animals on the early ships.

This NebFact describes rabies in animals and explains how people can protect themselves, as well as their pets or livestock from rabies exposure.

Nf247 Assistance With Wildlife Damage Problems In Nebraska, Scott E. Hygnstrom, John M. Hobbs, James G. Bruner, James Weverka, Dallas R. Virchow, Dennis M. Ferraro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraskans who experience damage and nuisance problems with wildlife can get assistance from several public and private organizations. This NebFact describes the most direct route to the solution of your problem. A reference guide lists who to contact for information, materials, permits, and hands-on assistance.

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.

G99-1377 Tree Squirrels And Their Control, Dallas R. Virchow, Scott E. Hygnstrom, John M. Hobbs

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes tree squirrel biology and behavior and characterizes the types of damage they cause. It suggests control methods and equipment and describes legal restrictions.

Tree squirrels are known for their bushy tails and their ability to climb high into trees. The eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the most common tree squirrel in Nebraska. It is common throughout the state. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) occurs only in the extreme southeastern portion of Nebraska. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) occurs uncommonly and only in southeastern Nebraska in the forested Missouri …

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.

Ec98-148 Grassland Management With Prescribed Fire, John Ortmann, Daniel D. Beran, Robert A. Masters, James L. Stubbendieck

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This circular provides an overview of the use of fire in grassland management. It describes the history and importance of fire in the grassland ecosystem, how plants respond to fire, and the uses and potential benefits of prescribed fire. It also summarizes fire planning, and legal and safety considerations. And finally, it provides guidance on some special uses of fire.

Nf98-375 What Is The "Cooperative Agreement" For Endangered Species Habitat Along The Central Platte River?, Gary R. Lingle, Thomas G. Franti

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The governors of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming and the Secretary of the Interior signed a historic agreement on July 1, 1997. This agreement addresses endangered species issues affecting the Platte River Basin upstream of its confluence with the Loup River. The Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitats Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska provides funding and an administrative structure to allow the states and the federal government to work together in enhancing water and land resources for endangered species. The agreement has two main objectives: 1. To develop and implement a "recovery …

Nfs-1 Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A reference guide for loggers, landowners and managers.

Nebraska's Forest Resource

Forests cover 947,000 acres in Nebraska. Other land with scattered tree cover, including narrow wooded strips along streams, windbreaks, and wooded pasture lands, occupy an additional 1,252,000 acres. Managing Nebraska's forest lands can produce significant benefits without negative impacts; however, careless activities in woodlands can damage water resources, soils, wildlife habitat, aesthetic values, and even the ability to produce future benefits.

G97-1331 Backyard Wildlife To Feed A Hummingbird, Ron J. Johnson, Donald H. Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The sixth in the backyard wildlife series, this NebGuide describes plants and nectar feeding for attracting hummingbirds to your backyard in Nebraska. Four species of hummingbirds are found in Nebraska, one in the east and three in the west. Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate through eastern Nebraska in spring and fall, and some nest here, mostly along the Missouri river valley. Typically, ruby-throat migration in Nebraska peaks about May 5-17 and September 2-18, but northward migration may occur from April to June and southward flights from August to early October. Broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds are seen in the Nebraska panhandle during fall …

Nf97-355 House Finch "Eye" Disease, Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Ron J. Johnson, John Dinan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A newly-recognized disease that causes swollen eyelids and weepy eyes in house finches was confirmed in Nebraska in 1996 and has been observed as far west as McCook. Other symptoms of this emerging disease include wet, matted feathers around the eyelids and face, weight loss, fluffed feathers, inactivity, loss of sight, and eventual death in some affected birds. This disease, caused by a strain of the bacteria-like organism Mycoplasma gallisepticum, was first observed in several mid-Atlantic and eastern states in 1994. It has now spread to Canada, all of the eastern and Midwestern United States, and as far west as …

Ec97-2506 A Place In The Country: The Acreage Owner's Guide, Gary C. Bergman, Corey Brubaker, Kathleen J. Cue, Dennis M. Ferraro, Keith Glewen, Donald E. Janssen, Kevin Kock, Richard J. Lodes, Barbara P. Ogg, Jim Peterson, Warder Shires, Sharon Skipton, Monte Stauffer, David L. Varner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A special place in the country is often a long-awaited dream. For many it communicates freedom, open space, clean air and unique opportunities to enjoy hobbies, nature and quiet living at its best. Making this a reality not only requires a major financial investment, it also requires careful planning and assessment of the existing property or new homesite under consideration.

This extension circular helps you as an acreage owner make the right decisions when living in the country.

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 …

Ec96-143 Pesticide Runoff And Water Quality In Nebraska, Steven Comfort, Thomas G. Franti, S.K. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska's natural resources provide its residents with an abundance of wildlife, recreation, and agricultural opportunities. Some of the state's most important resources are its lakes, rivers and streams. These surface waters provide year-round habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, rest stops for migratory birds, and countless hours of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, surface waters provide a source of drinking water for many Nebraska residents, and are vital for some farming and industrial operations. To better understand how surface waters become contaminated from pesticide runoff, the various factors and processes influencing runoff must be understood. With this understanding, pesticide …

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 …

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 …

G95-1259 Wildlife And Disease--Public Health Concerns, Dallas Virchow, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Wayne L. Kramer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes human health risks and symptoms associated with prominent diseases of Nebraska's wildlife. Listed are precautions for minimizing exposure and preventing infection.

Zoonoses (zoe-uh'-no-sez') are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Wild animals and domestic animals share some disease-causing organisms and either group can transmit diseases to people. Transmission can occur directly through contact with tissues or body fluids of animals. Indirect transmission can occur through insects, ticks and mites that feed on infected animals.

G94-1215 Bait Stations For Controlling Rats And Mice, Dallas R. Virchow, Scott E. Hygnstrom

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the design and safe use of bait stations for rat and mouse control. It includes information on correct bait station placement and bait selection.

Toxic baits are often used to control the damage caused by Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus). Bait stations used in rodent control programs may increase both the effectiveness and safety of rodent baits (rodenticides).

Ec94-1766 Windbreaks For Livestock Operations, James R. Brandle, Vernon Quam, Ladon Johnson, Bruce Wight

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Windbreaks play an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds during the winter and early spring. Properly placed windbreaks can provide benefits to feedlots, livestock pastures, and calving areas. Reducing wind speed in winter lowers animal stress, improves animal health, and increases feeding efficiency. Livestock windbreaks provide significant amounts of wildlife habitat, protect the working environment in and around the livestock area, and screen noise and odors associated with livestock operations.

Specific needs of animals dictate that special attention be given to access, snow storage, and drainage when planning …

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, …

G92-1106 Controlling Rats, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Dallas R. Virchow

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to recognize rat problems and control rats are covered here.

The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) (also known as the common brown rat) is a destructive pest. Found in and around towns and farms throughout Nebraska, these rodents eat and contaminate large amounts of feed, damage structures by their gnawing and burrowing, and spread diseases that affect livestock and humans.