There’s risk every spring that a hard freeze will kill tender fruit blossoms, says the Virginia Farm Bureau. Virginia apple and peach growers are familiar with that risk. But growers across Virginia saw some losses from two hard freezes the week of April 3, including Jay Yankey, owner of Yankey Farms, a pick-your-own operation in Prince William County.

On the afternoon of Jan. 3, Karen Shumake, a senior park ranger with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation Department, heard police dispatch go out about an injured hawk located at the intersection of U.S. 29 and University Blvd. Immediately, Shumake realized that she didn't have a safe way to safely capture the hawk that could do real damage with its beak and talons. Fortunately, she got some help from a passing motorist and Steven Neff, a county animal control officer.

Recycling this spring can create more garage or basement space, bring in extra cash through a reward and save you money through lowering your electric bill if you are a Dominion Power customer. All it takes is a decision to part ways with an old inefficient refrigerator or freezer, says a Dominion Virginia Power news release.

Independent Hill School/PACE East has received the Virginia Recycling Association's Award for Excellence in Recycling again placing first place in the state for the second year.

Century Forest Program that goes into law July 1 is designed to honor and recognize Virginians who have owned working forestlands for 100 years or more. Officials at the Virginia Department of Forestry, which will manage the program when the law goes into effect, estimate that there are more than 1,000 individuals or families eligible for this distinction.

City of Manassas has been named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of the City’s commitment to effective urban forest management. To celebrate this accomplishment and in honor of Arbor Day, on April 22 at 10 a.m. the public is invited to attend a program at Nelson Park at 8915 Grant Ave., Manassas.

Spring may be just around the corner, but the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reminds drivers to watch out for possible icy areas on roadways. Precipitation and low temperatures are expected this weekend.

Stanley Martin Homes wants to build 350 to 400 homes on the eastern part of the tract and secure a partner to design the remaining part of the site for commercial purposes. Plans could include an entrance to the parkway across from Hynson Drive and another on the parkway extension. Both entrances would be controlled by traffic signals.