Plus, check out this educational AI experience.
09.17.2025 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

Subscribe

Today’s Forecast

68º | 35% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 7:13 p.m.

High tides 5:09 a.m. + 5:55 p.m. | Low tide 12:03 p.m.


What’s so special about acorns?

A photo of acorns on the ground.
Help the future trees of Virginia. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
See an acorn on the ground? Go ahead and pick it up — you could save the trees.

The Virginia Department of Forestry collects acorns and nuts that can be planted at the Augusta Nursery in Crimora. The tree seedlings will then grow into mature trees throughout Virginia.

How will it help Virginia?

The collection of these plants is necessary to plant trees throughout Virginia. Many of the acorns and nuts that fall in cities and towns never become trees, so this process of collecting and donating allows them to become saplings and help with restoration throughout the state.

What should I be looking for?

The DOF has an identification card for the community to use when looking for different acorns and nuts in Northern Virginia.

If you live in Fairfax County, there’s also a Fairfax City collection map that helps outline places for you to hunt for acorns and nuts. So embrace your inner squirrel and get looking.
How + where to drop off

Asked

🌰 When dropping off your nuts, what container can’t you use?

A. Cardboard box
B. Plastic bag
C. Paper bag
Take a guess

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Memoir Writing Class | 2-4 p.m. | Dolley Madison Library, McLean | Free

Thursday, Sept. 18

Photography Workshop: Travel Photography | 7-8 p.m. | Ashburn Library, Ashburn | Free

Friday, Sept. 19

Band Elyzium Live in Virginia | Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | Droumavalla Farm, Leesburg | Free

Sunset Cinema: “Moana 2" | 7-9 p.m. | Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church | Free

Saturday, Sept. 20

Crossroads Music Festival 2025 Featuring Intellect | 3-4 p.m. | 25 W. Market St., Leesburg | Free

Sunday, Sept. 21

Birding for Beginners | 9 a.m. | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale | $12

Plant Swap | 3-4 p.m. | George Mason Regional Library, Annandale | Free
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Opening

Continues Arcade, located at 1050 N. Fayette St. in Alexandria, is celebrating its grand opening with a bingo night on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join the fun and enjoy access to over 60 arcade games while you’re there. (ALXnow)

Sports

Interested in some old Washington Capitals merchandise? The team is hosting a garage sale and is getting rid of old t-shirts, bobble heads, posters, and other Caps swag on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. RSVP for the event here.

Coming Soon

Wanna talk AI? AI Unlocked, organized by SCSP and JBG Smith, runs Friday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 4, in National Landing. Friday features panels and fireside chats, while Saturday offers vendor showcases, local food, and interactive activities. Register here.

Learn

The Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit will be held in Arlington on Thursday, Oct. 9. The Convene Conference Center will transform into a summit for those interested in marketing, advertising, and communication. Purchase your tickets here.

Biz

The popular yoga clothing brand, Alo, is coming to King Street in Old Town Alexandria. The spot at 814 King St. was previously home to the Random Harvest furniture store. The closest location of this chain is in Tysons Corner. (ALXnow)

Cause

When donating peanut butter to the nonprofit ALIVE!, consider including jelly as well. While the organization frequently receives ample peanut butter donations, jelly is often in short supply. ALIVE! also welcomes other types of donations and is always in need of volunteers. (ALXnow)

Closing

After 12 years, Sora Ethiopian Market + Cafe is leaving Alexandria. ADRS Properties LP purchased the building at 5145 Duke Street for a whopping $2.85 million. (ALXnow)

Feel Good

The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics are underway, with the largest number of participants being from Fairfax County. This year, the ages range from 50 to 101, and 53% of participants are male, while 47% are female. (FFXnow)

Try This

Insurify makes it easy to find your perfect car insurance policy. Compare real-time quotes from 100+ insurers, choose your policy, and get same-day coverage in a few clicks.*

Post of the Day

Reservoir Park is now open in Loudoun County. You can explore the scenic trails, rent a boat for a relaxing day on the lake, or enjoy some fishing. There’s also a pavilion available for rentals, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

ASTR the Label’s scarf tie sleeveless sweater, newly added to Nordstrom. Look effortlessly put together as you go from morning meetings to after-work drinks in a top that perfectly transitions from summer to fall.
Shop Nordstrom’s fall finds

Games

Games-Section Header-V2_Green.png
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

This is a cry for help. I’m long overdue for a haircut — do you have any recommendations for good spots around Northern Virginia? Let me know.
ava_wojnowski-wrap_480.png

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

ADVERTISE | GUIDES | EVENTS | GAMES | SHOP | SUPPORT

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2025 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602