A field day of exploring Virginia's natural resources will be held today at Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve.

Hosted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, activities include a guided hike and a presentation on the natural history and stewardship of the site.

The open house will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a short program at 1 p.m. followed by a guided hike. From Floyd, turn right onto U.S. 221 and drive about six miles. Turn left (south) on Union School Road (Virginia 727). Travel about 4 1/2 miles then turn right onto Conner Grove Road (Virginia 799).

Go about 100 feet, turn left onto Moles Road (Virginia 727) for one mile, then turn right staying on Virginia 727. Go one mile to a three-way fork. Bear to the right and follow the gravel access road to the summit parking area.

CHRISTIANSBURG

Extension to be discussed Monday

One of nearly 50 meetings across the state to discuss the future of the Virginia Cooperative Extension will be held Monday in Christiansburg.

The session will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Montgomery County Government Center in Christiansburg.

Preregistration is required by calling 745-9307.

During the session, participants will be asked to define critical economic, environmental, and quality-of-life issues in the community and to identify the role the extension should play in responding to these issues. Another part of the meeting will include a discussion of what the extension should continue doing, start doing or stop doing.

For more information, visit www.ext.vt.edu/strategicplanning.

-- The Roanoke Times