Honey bees are invaluable to the health of the U.S. agricultural economy as they enable the production of at least 90 commercially grown crops in the nation. In Virginia, honeybees are essential pollinators for about one-third of the state’s fruit and vegetable crops. That is why Governor Ralph S. Northam declared June 17-23 as Virginia Pollinator Week. Without adequate pollination, Virginia could experience a significant reduction in its harvest of apples, alfalfa, berries,cucumbers, melons, squash, peaches and pumpkins.”

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), in partnership with five Virginia commuter assistance programs, is launching a new ride matching and commuter rewards service available to those who travel within the Commonwealth at commuteva.org.

Governor Ralph Northam has officially launched ConserveVirginia, a statewide, land conservation strategy that identifies high value lands and conservation sites in six categories.

Duane Mohr has received the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS’) highest award for volunteerism, a news release said. The agency selected Mohr as the nation’s top individual volunteer for outstanding contributions to the Earth Team Program through his work with the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Former Astronaut Leland Melvin will be at Chinn Park Regional Library on Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. to talk to people about the value of sticking to it, something he's learned throughout his life, and sign books. Melvin, whose hometown is Lynchburg, VA, also is a former NFL player and the author of "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances."

The Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries passed the 10-year Virginia Elk Management Plan at its March 21 meeting. The plan covers from 2019 to 2028 and will guide the state game department’s management of a growing elk population.

Spring has sprung in Virginia, and as temperatures rise, so does the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their horses.

Northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed through the weekend as road crews and engineers work to fully assess the extent of the sinkhole and repair the road, according to a news release from National Park Service, which is in charge of the road.