Hands-on learning took on a new dimension this year for dozens of students who designed and installed wildlife habitats on school grounds. Habitat plantings are slightly different than pollinator gardens or vegetable gardens, in that they incorporate native plants to provide yearlong shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, native bees, dragonflies, amphibians, and reptiles.

Prince William County Police Department's crime report for Tuesday, May 2.

Prince William Public Works Department, Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition, and Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District are teaming up to clean up a portion of Powell's Creek near Riverwoods at Woodbridge Apartments Feb. 25, and they are inviting the public to help. The event starts at 9 a.m.

Who takes care of the trash in our streams? Where does this trash come from? Where does this trash end up? How does this trash impact water quality and aquatic life? What type of waterways and water quality will the next generation enjoy? How can residents help promote clean waterways? Take Action: Stop littering, recycle, promote programs to raise awareness about trash in the communities, and join those who are already volunteering with the District.

"We urge everyone who puts up a cut Christmas tree to water it daily and then take it down right after the holidays," says Mike Curtis, NOVEC vice president, Public Relations. "The longer it stays up, the drier it becomes, and the more dangerous."

Birders and other volunteers can participate in the National Audubon Society’s 117th Christmas Bird Count, which is held annually by groups on any one day between Dec.14 and Jan. 5. The Nokesville Circle will take place on Mon., Dec. 26, starting at 7 a.m. at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area.

In addition to a cash payment of just over $42 million, DuPont will fund the design and implementation of significant renovations at the Front Royal Fish Hatchery, estimated to cost up to $10 million. The settlement terms are outlined in a proposed consent decree filed in federal court in Harrisonburg, Virginia, today.

Bill Francisco of Francisco Farms, Staunton, will present a 12 ft. Canaan fir Christmas tree to decorate the first floor of the Virginia Governor's Mansion in Richmond. He won the right to donate the tree at this year’s annual meeting of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association. His tree was selected as Grand Champion, and he will present a similar, fresh tree to First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.