When It Rains It Pours: Knowledge Is Power
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
1185 Poe Town Road Grundy, VA, 24614
This workshop presentation is designed to help improve management skills and well-being associated with the terrible impacts associated with flash floods and river floods. It will review recent flood events in Buchanan County, Va., and surrounding locations, and look at climate trends observed across the Mountain Empire of the southern Appalachians.
Flooding effects can vary from minor inconveniences to destructive property damage and loss of life. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can linger long after recovery is completed for small farmers, growers, residents, and their children (and also for livestock and pets). A flood can leave you feeling devastated and hopeless.
While flash floods in complex terrain can be especially difficult or even impossible to predict in advance, the good news is that they are not mysterious. Understanding the causes of floods and current trends generates knowledge. This can empower you to become more confident and proactive in the face of future flood events.
Knowledge and preparedness can move individuals and communities away from feeling overwhelmed and helpless (easing anxiety) toward a more confident future.
For more information, contact Wayne Browning at 804.760.3932 or wbrowning@vsu.edu.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.