The 31 bridges of New River Trail State Park, Virginia’s 57-mile rails-to-trails linear park near Galax, will close as a series of repairs are made over the next 18 months. Portions of the trail will be closed intermittently as work takes place. The park will remain open due to its many access points. Specific dates for any bridge closures are dependent upon contractors and their receipt of construction materials.

National Park Service says it plans to conduct a prescribed fire in Prince William Forest Park in March, potentially tomorrow, March 16, depending on weather conditions. The planned fire will cover approximately 105 acres of forested areas along Scenic Drive, near the Oak Ridge Campground.

The popular Richmond Falcon Cam is now live for the 2023 season and available for viewing at dwr.virginia.gov/falcon-cam/.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation campgrounds open on March 3. Full-service campgrounds with bathhouses are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December.

“Northern Virginia natives are important for beneficial insects and pollinators that are in decline,” says Virginia Cooperative Extension instructor Nancy Berlin. “Native plants are beautiful in all seasons. There is a native plant for every condition. They can be managed to look formal or less formal. They’re adapted to our soils and our climate. When selected carefully, they’re easy to grow." Get details and tips at Feb. 11 all-day symposium.

The tribal agreement reduces fire risk, restores oak forests, improves wildlife habitat, creates early successional habitat, promotes cultural tourism and recreation, and reduces risk to tribal trust lands. Most similar tribal agreements involve lands in th western US.

While seemingly harmless, moving firewood can enable the easy movement of destructive forest and agricultural pests. When firewood is moved from one area to another, the invasive emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly often “hitchhike” to destroy crops, infect more trees and sometimes even entire forests.

Across the commonwealth, Virginia State Parks will join the celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, with free parking, special programs and volunteer events. Tree projects are nearby, one in Woodbridge.