Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Alleghany Highlands, including the county of Alleghany and city of Covington, is located in the western portion of Virginia and has a land area of 445.66 square miles. Adjoining the state of West Virginia, the area is 60 miles north of Roanoke, 176 miles west of Richmond, and 227 miles southwest of Washington, DC. on the I-64 corridor. The Alleghany Highlands is called “Virginia’s Western Gateway” and named after the great chain of mountains on its western border. The area was first settled in 1746, and on January 5, 1822, Alleghany County was formed from parts of Bath, Botetourt, and Monroe Counties by an act of the Virginia Legislature.
A collaboration of local ANR Agents, 4-H Agents, and FNP staff, working closely with local Master Gardener volunteers are educating Alleghany County and Covington residents on the importance of agriculture to their everyday lives. Workshops by ANR staff and Master Gardener volunteers are being conducted on topics that range from vegetable gardening to wildlife management issues in order to teach residents and youth audiences how to grow and market their own food. Educational programs conducted through FNP will focus on food selection, safety, and preparation. Workshops will also be conducted to teach residents how to properly preserve garden produce.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension - Alleghany / Covington Office is served by the following Agricultural Agents:
- Cassie Driskill, Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources from the VCE - Botetourt Office
- Andy Allen, Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources from the VCE - Craig Office
- Sheri Dorn, Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources from the VCE - Roanoke Office
You may call our office Monday - Friday 8 AM to 5 PM and we will make sure that you have an opportunity to speak with these Agents.
Latest Copy of the PD5 Agricultural Newsletter