A 280-acre parcel of the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship preserve in western Loudoun County has been acquired by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for the development of a new state park.

Here are some common and seasonal home, lawn and garden pests, and options for managing those pests from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) that urges consumers to read the label on all pesticide products and follow the instructions for their use.

As of Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022: at 11 a.m. VDOT Northern Virginia reports that its crews "are ready for snowfall and wintry precipitation that are forecast to significantly impact the region Sunday and Monday."

After removal of all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, nails and the tree stand, cut tree and greenery may be recycled at several convenient locations.

Due to the holiday schedule this year, there will be no Saturday trash or recycling collection at Nokesville and Evergreen sites on Christmas or New Year’s Day.

Event sign-up is free, and available at occoq.org/drpt.th. During registration, attendees may submit questions and ideas in advance. There will also be a moderated chat available during the livestream. DRPT is accepting public comment on the study through Nov. 17: drpt.virginia.gov/transit/springfield-to-quantico.

If you are planning to use firewood this fall or winter, for home heating or a campfire, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages you to take steps to protect Virginia’s forest ecology and your wallet.

Ahead of the holiday season, the National Park Service (NPS) has planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree, a 27-foot white fir (Abies Concolor) from Middleburg, Pa. was donated by Hill View Christmas Tree Farm, and will be the first white fir to serve as the National Christmas Tree.