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Local Programs

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 Agent:

  • Zachary Wright, Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources from Craig County 

You may call our office Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and we will make sure that you have an opportunity to speak with these Agent.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

The Alleghany County/Covington 4-H Program offers youth, ages 5 - 19, a wide array of opportunities, including community and special interest clubs, and after-school programs.

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expertsystem. 

Community Viability Specialists