A group working on strategies to improve environmental issues all around the Commonwealth are in the Valley the next few days.

It's a part of the Virginia Natural Leadership Institute.

The group of professionals are here to learn skills to bring the public together to look toward common goals.

They have six different three-day sessions around the state, and focus on the issues specific to each area.

In Staunton and Augusta County they're looking at water quality and agriculture issues.

"Getting to know the people here and seeing what their issues are, and seeing what's important to them. And then seeing how we can help them progress the Staunton area and Augusta County to make their community someplace that they're really proud of," says Kim Hodge, a student with the group.

The group will tour rivers, farms and companies in the area through Friday.