Life Sciences Commons^™

Ec92-124 Nebraska Handbook Of Range Management, James L. Stubbendieck, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every Nebraskans should be interested in rangeland. The plants, soil, and water are the foundation of Nebraska's economy and quality of life. Rangeland is one of Nebraska's most important and valuable natural resources because it:

• produces forage for livestock and wild game;

• provides a varied habitat for many wildlife species;

• protects the soil from wind and water erosion;

• preserves a "germplasm bank" for many plant species that may become important for yet unknown uses;

• purifies and enhances the environment by cleasing the air, filtering the runoff to streams, increasing the intake of precipitation, and aiding …

G92-1104 Getting Started In Beekeeping, Marion D. Ellis, Frederick P. Baxendale

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on beginning beekeeping in Nebraska.

Beekeeping in Nebraska

There are approximately 700 beekeepers in Nebraska operating about 115,000 colonies of bees. Annual honey production in the state ranges from 5 to 11 million pounds depending on weather conditions and available flora. The honey from each area is a unique blend of nectars from the available flora. In a good area under favorable conditions, a properly managed colony can produce 100 pounds or more of honey. The six-year average (1986-1991) for honey production per colony in Nebraska is 75 pounds.

Of far greater importance is the role …

Potential Impacts Of Biomass Production In The United States On Biological Diversity, James H. Cook, Jan Beyea, Kathleen H. Keeler

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Biomass could be a renewable source of energy and chemicals that would not add CO₂ to the atmosphere. It will become economically competitive as its cost decreases relative to energy costs, and biotechnology is expected to accelerate this trend by increasing biomass productivity. Pressure to slow global warming may also make biomass more attractive. Substantial dependence on biomass would entail massive changes in land use, risking serious reductions in biodiversity through destruction of habitat for native species. Forests could be managed and harvested more intensively, and virtually all arable land unsuitable for high-value agriculture or silviculture might be used …

Ec91-1773 Deer Damage Control In Nebraska, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Bill Baxter

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraskans are fortunate to have two species of deer in the state — the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). They are beautiful and fascinating animals that provide many aesthetic and recreational benefits. They can however, cause problems when they damage agricultural crops, trees and backyard plantings.

This extension circular covers the methods of reducing deer damage through herd management (legal harvest, shooting permits, and live removal), deer fencing, repellents, and scare devices.

Ec91-1767 Windbreaks For Rural Living, James R. Brandle, Teresa K. Boes, Bruce Wight

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In many parts of the United States, the constant force of the wind exaggerates daily weather conditions and can make living in these areas seem unbearable. A well-designed windbreak around the home, ranch, or farmstead slows the wind and improves the overall environment. Farm and ranch windbreaks conserve energy, provide snow control, improve working and recreational environments, enhance wildlife populations, provide visual screening and dust control, and increase the production of various wood and food products.

Ranch and farmstead windbreaks provide the greatest benefits in areas with high winds, large amounts of snow, extreme temperature fluctuations, or minimal natural forest …

Ec89-1761 Poisonous Snakes And Snakebite In Nebraska, Ron J. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska has four kinds of venomous snakes — the prairie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, western massasauga (a small rattlesnake), and copperhead. Knowing how to identify venomous snakes, especially the kinds found in areas where you might go, is a good first step in avoiding them.

This publication provides information about Nebraska's venomous snakes, some guidelines for avoiding snakebite, and suggestions on what to do in case of snakebite.

G84-672 Backyard Wildlife Making It Come Alive, Ron J. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide, the last in a series of four, provides "how-to" ideas for getting the most enjoyment from backyard wildlife. Inviting wildlife to your backyard can be enjoyable, educational, and fun for the whole family. A backyard can offer the fascination of a robin's nest or cardinal's song, the scurry of a squirrel, the speed of a dragonfly, and the beauty of a hummingbird or butterfly at a flower. Wildlife photography is another opportunity. Some of the best songbird photographs have been taken from a blind in a backyard or through a back window. And, songbirds are only one of …

Ec76-1741 Christmas Trees: A Management Guide, Donald E. Janssen, Neal E. Jennings

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In America the decorated Christmas tree has become an accepted tradition. Christmas would seem barren to most people without it. Raising Christmas trees is a growing industry and has proven to be a profitable use of land if high-quality, salable trees are produced.

Planting, managing, and harvesting Christmas trees is a high labor, high risk endeavor. Here is a list of questions. If you can answer "yes" to every one, you will be a successful Christmas tree grower.

Are you willing to plant trees every April?

Are you willing to shear or prune every tree, every year (mid-June to mid-July) …