VGFP aims to survey the suspected population decline of gray foxes, a native species to Virginia. | Photo via VGFP, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia DWR
In 2024, Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources began surveying the distribution of the elusive gray fox using hundreds of trail cameras across the state.
This past July, Henrico and Chesterfield parks departments joined the search, contributing 5,600+ wildlife photos over the course of four season-shifting months. Wandering does, turkeys, blue jays, and opossums caught the camera’s eye.
Given the project’s namesake, you might be wondering, have there been any trail photos of gray foxes? Yes, quite a few, but primarily in Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke, Franklin, Bedford, and Floyd counties, according to VT News.
🩰 Next week’s “Nutcracker” night honors local heroes
Presented by Dominion Energy
Like Clara’s friends with The Nutcracker, we’re clamoring for tickets. | Photo by Cecile Wolfe, courtesy Manassas Ballet Theatre
Toy soldiers aren’t the only heroes taking center stage next week.
On Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m., Manassas Ballet Theatre’s annual ballet “The Nutcracker” returns to the Hylton Performing Arts Center — and opening night is dedicated to honoring those who serve our community.
Presented in partnership with the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, “Salute to the Military” is a heartfelt celebration of NOVA’s active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders.
The evening will feature moving tributes including the National Anthem, service-branch anthems, a color guard presentation, and bagpipes performing “Amazing Grace.”
Alexandria’s new Metrobus route, offering transfer-free travel to DC, will begin later this month. This is part of the updates that WMATA is rolling out to improve overall reliability and connections. See which bus stops the route connects. (ALXnow)
Opening
An Italian restaurant in DC called Floriana is looking to open an Alexandria location. This spot is expected to open late spring or early summer, according to the restaurant. I’m eyeing the burrata ravioli.(Washington Business Journal)
Edu
The academic calendar for Prince William County Public Schools has been approved for the 2026-2027 school year, and the first day of classes will be Aug. 24. Learn about other important dates during the 2026-27 school year. (InsideNOVA)
Try This
Gulf Branch Nature Center and Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington are collecting both letters to Santa and food donations. Letters to Santa will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 24, but to receive a reply, you’ll need to send yours by Friday, Dec. 19, and include a return address. (ARLnow)
Biz
A new seasonal pop-up shop has opened in Leesburg’s Market Station. Gathered on South features a curated selection of local retailers, including Nollypop Boutique and Shop Pajama Mama. The store is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The Burn)
Coming Soon
Wood & Iron, a Richmond-based sports bar, is expanding to Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood with a new location at George Mason University’s Fuse at Mason Square. The bar is planning a mid-February opening. (ARLnow)
Real Estate
This Georgian-style home was originally built in Southside Virginia, and relocated to Fairfax County in the 1940s. Now, for the first time in 80 years, it’s on the market. The property sits on two acres along Dogue Creek. Take a look. (Washington Business Journal)
Family
A sweet adventure is coming to Tysons Corner Center. The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will offer an immersive experience, themed around various brands like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Jolly Ranchers. Stay tuned for an opening date, but tickets are slated to go on sale in January. (FFXnow)
Plan Ahead
The Christmas in Camp program is back at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site. This free event on Saturday, Dec. 13 will last from 12-4 p.m. and includes festivities like reenactors, period decor, and kid activities. (ALXnow)
Sports
Any JMU fans in the crowd? This past Sunday, Dec. 7, James Madison University secured a spot in the College Football Playoffs — see the bracket. The Harrisonburg, VA, team will head to Oregon for a Ducks vs. Dukes face-off on Saturday, Dec. 20. (CBS Sports)
Holiday
Looking for the perfect gift?The Virginia Lottery’s new holiday Scratchers are great for all the adults on your list: friends, family, or coworkers. You can never go wrong with gifting the Virginia Lottery.*
Asked
Asked
🚌 How often will the new Alexandria Metrobus route run?
A. 12 minutes B. 18 minutes C. 24 minutes D. 30 minutes
When walking around the Pentagon City mall this weekend, I heard both the laughter and cries of children as they prepared to have their photo taken with Santa. It got me thinking about my favorite photo of me with Santa — as you can tell, I wasn’t too keen on the idea.
Do you or your kids have a similar Santa experience? | Photo by NOVAtoday
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