“Amphibians and Vernal Pools” is the topic for the March “Backyard Botetourt” workshop that will be held Monday, March 27 in the Fincastle Library. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Fred Huber of the U.S. Forest Service will lead the program which will feature information on the rare Peaks of Otter Salamander, officially listed as a “species of concern” in Virginia. The southern Appalachian Mountains contain some of the greatest salamander biodiversity in the world. Vernal pools are temporary spring-time wet areas that are crucial in the life cycle of many amphibians.

The series of monthly free educational presentations is a collaboration between Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) and Valley Conservation Council (VCC). The goal of the series is to make the public more aware of natural resources in Botetourt County.

Tim Miller, education and outreach coordinator of MCSWCD, and Genevieve Goss, Upper James Program Manager of VCC, host the programs. For more information, visit www.mountaincastles.org and www.valleyconservation.org.