The Flagship 04.23.2026

NBC’s ‘3rd Hour of Today’ to broadcast live from Williamsburg – Here’s how you can sign up to attend the live broadcast on May 15

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A closer look at sustainable travel in Virginia

From regenerative farms to shoreline restoration, attractions across the Commonwealth offer real-world examples of eco-conscious travel as we celebrate Earth Day

Press Release

VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION

As sustainability continues to shape the future of travel, Earth Day offers a timely opportunity to highlight destinations leading with purpose. Few realize that Earth Day has roots in Virginia, where its concept first took shape in 1969 at Airlie House in Warrenton.

That legacy of stewardship continues across the Commonwealth today. From shoreline restoration and regenerative farms to eco-conscious hotels and community-driven conservation, Virginia offers rich examples of tourism and sustainability working hand in hand.

As you plan Earth Day and sustainability coverage, consider Virginia as both the birthplace of a movement and a living laboratory for responsible travel.

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING ROOTED IN REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

At the Goodstone Inn in Middleburg, Virginia, dining is rooted in the land itself, with ingredients sourced directly from the on-site working farm. Fresh eggs from the coops and honey from the property’s hives reflect the character of the landscape in every meal. This commitment extends to regen-

erative farming practices such as crop rotation and the use of native, pollinator-friendly plants that support biodiversity and attract birds, bees, and butterflies.

Guests can experience the farm firsthand on guided tours, meeting the property’s cows, chickens, and llamas while learning from the inn’s expert team.

SHORELINE RESTORATION & LUXURIOUS WATERFRONT LODGING AT THE TIDES INN

With sustainability at the core of the property, the Tides Inn embarked on a $3.6 million Shoreline Restoration Project in 2023, which created 18,000 square feet of new natural shoreline, developed an Eastern Oyster reef, planted wetland grasses, preserved existing fauna, and more. Since the project began, the restored shoreline and living oyster reefs have transformed what was once a blank sand-and-mud bottom into a thriving habitat, increasing the abundance of fish, crabs, and even seahorses. The resort plants roughly one million live oysters each summer in partnership with Friends of the Rappahannock. These oysters filter tens of millions of gallons of water daily, dramatically improving water clarity.

Sustainability initiatives are led by the

property’s on-site ecologist, Will Smiley, who also leads a bevy of hands-on programming dedicated to educating guests on how the flora and fauna of the Chesapeake Bay work together to sustain biodiversity, with favorites including Chesapeake Gold - an Oyster Experience, Beautiful Swimmers - a Blue Crab Experience, and tours of the 1,300foot Shoreline Trail.

The property transforms each guest experience into an opportunity to witness and participate in conservation and regeneration, creating a thriving sanctuary for wildlife and inspiring guests to become environmental stewards themselves.

YORKTOWN: A HISTORIC DESTINATION

EMBRACING MODERN SUSTAINABILITY

As a proud member of the Virginia Green program, Yorktown is committed to preserving its natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism. Across the waterfront and throughout York County, eco-friendly practices are thoughtfully integrated into daily operations—from geothermal heating and cooling at Riverwalk Landing to EV charging stations, LED lighting, and bikefriendly pathways that encourage low-im-

Hook a sea turtle while fishing? Call Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team

Press Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — As the weather warms up, sea turtles will make their way back into Virginia waters, and typically, midto late-April is the time when our Stranding Response team tends to see an uptick in sea turtles incidentally hooked by recreational anglers. This is a great time to remind the public on what to do it they hook a sea turtle. What to do if a sea turtle is hooked by a fishing line:

„ Inform the pier attendant (if there is one) immediately and they will supply recovery gear and help retrieve the turtle.

„ Call the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team at 757-385-7575

„ Use a net to bring the turtle to the top of the pier. DO NOT lift by the hook if at all avoidable. Lifting by the hook can cause severe damage to the turtle

„ If the turtle is too large to net, try to walk it to the beach

„ Leave the hook in place. Removing it may cause harm and make medical treatment more difficult

„ When you have control of the turtle, cut the line at least two feet from the hook

„ Keep turtle out of direct sunlight and cover the carapace (shell) with damp towel

„ Wait with the turtle until the Stranding Response

when sea turtles are caught by hooks on fishing lines during the recreational fishing season. In Virginia, hooked sea turtle season occurs throughout recreational fishing season, which takes place predominantly in May and June but can be seen through September.

The Virginia Aquarium partners with Buckroe, Virginia Beach Fishing Piers, and others throughout the community through the Virginia Aquarium Pier Partner Program to educate local anglers, minimize harm to turtles during hooking events, and provide quality medical care for hooked sea turtles. The four partnered piers have signage, recovery gear and pier staff who are willing to assist when a hooked sea turtle is reported.

The Stranding Response team is funded and operated by the Virginia Aquarium Foundation. To support the Virginia Aquarium’s mission, make a tax-deductible donation or by purchase a ‘Protect Sea Life’ license plate from the Virginia DMV featuring a loggerhead sea turtle, a threatened species in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. A portion of the license plate funds are transferred to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation in support of our conservation and research programs, including the Stranding Response Program.

Girl Scout Troop 1993 revitalizes community libraries to support military families in Virginia Beach

Press Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Creativity, community, and connection are at the forefront of Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Troop 1993’s Bronze Award project, which has transformed Little Free Libraries across Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek—Fort Story into vibrant, engaging spaces for military children and their families. The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior (4th-5th grade) can achieve.

Recognizing the power of reading to spark imagination and provide comfort, especially for children navigating the uncertainties of military life, the troop set out to enhance both the book selections and overall experience of the installation’s community libraries. Through coordinated donation drives, thoughtful curation of diverse titles, and creative programming, the Girl Scouts have reimagined these shared spaces to better serve their community.

“Our troop believes creativity is important, and reading helps inspire it,” members of Troop 1993 shared. “We wanted to make sure everyone could find something they enjoy in the Little Free Libraries.”

As part of the initiative, the troop introduced a monthly “mystery book” program, wrapping books in themed packages to encourage exploration and discovery. Themes have included cozy winter reads, stories featuring strong female characters, and books addressing relocation during the

In partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Girl Scouts also learned to create zines, small, handmade magazines, which are now being added to the libraries. These zines feature creative storytelling, moving tips, and personal reflections, offering a meaningful and personal connection for readers. The troop is also collaborating with the installation library to introduce zine-making workshops and take-home kits for families.

The project holds special significance during the Month of the Military Child, as the troop prepares to “Purple Up” by highlighting books that address deployment and relocation—experiences that resonate deeply within military communities. Early indicators show increased engagement, with more frequent book exchanges and positive feedback from families.

spring Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season—topics that reflect both seasonal interests and the unique experiences of military families.

About Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast: Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, a United Way agency, serves over 8,000 Girl Scouts in grades K through 12 with the help of more than 4,000 adult volunteers in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Girl Scouts offers a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, unleashing leadership skills in every girl in an all-girl environment. Since 1912, Girl Scouts has been building youth of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gsccc.org or call 1-800-77SCOUT

Moms Climb

Press Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Skip the brunch reservation this year. The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium has something better planned for Mom: a morning (or afternoon) high above the ground, navigating ziplines and ropes courses with the people she loves most.

The Park is offering its annual Mother’s Day BOGO deal on Sunday, May 10— purchase one 3-hour climbing ticket and Mom’s ticket is on us. It’s a simple way to turn Mother’s Day into an adventure she’ll rave about.

“Moms do so much for their families all year long,” said Park Manager Darlene Zimble. “We love being the place where they get to have a little fun, let loose, and make some memories together.”

Ready to book?

Here’s how:

Online: Head to https://myadventurepark. com/event/moms-climb-free-on-mothersday-vbap/ and choose the “Mother’s Day BOGO” ticket option. Add two tickets to your

cart — the discount applies automatically at checkout.

By Phone: Give us a call at 757-385-4947 and request the Mother’s Day BOGO. We’ll help you lock in a climb time that works for your family.

The Park will be open 10 AM—5 PM on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. The BOGO offer is valid that day only and cannot be combined with other promotions or events. Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged for Adventure Park Account Credit in the amount paid.

About The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: The 17 trails at The Adventure Park consist of 258 various challenges in the trees, including bridges, tightropes, ladders, and 33 ziplines. The longest zipline runs 315 feet and crosses Owls Creek for a spectacular view.

Participants wear harnesses with clips that connect to the trail’s safety system, ensuring that they are always locked on to the course

until they reach the end. The main trails are designed for ages 5 to adult.

Non-climbing participants are admitted free of charge to share the experience on the ground and enjoy the property’s nature trails and picnic tables.

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is open to the general public and is located just minutes from the Boardwalk, on acres of forest on the grounds of the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. The address is 801 General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach. Walk ins are welcome on a space available basis, but guests are encouraged to book ahead on the Park’s website or by calling 757-385-4947.

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is designed, built and operated by Outdoor Venture Group.

For further details and updates, please visit myAdventurePark.com/VBAP or call 757-3854947.

NBC’s ‘3rd Hour of Today’ to broadcast live from Williamsburg – Fans can sign up to attend the live broadcast on May 15

By Colin Warren-Hicks

MEDIA STAFF WRITER

Hampton Roads residents can register to see Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer when they head to Williamsburg next month.

The co-hosts of NBC’s morning show “3rd Hour of Today” will broadcast live on May 15 from the historic city in honor of the United States semiquincentennial. On May 15, 1776, the Fifth Virginia Convention met in Williamsburg and passed a resolution for its delegates to propose to the Continental Congress independence from Great Britain.

The “3rd Hour of Today” airs weekdays at 9 a.m. following the main segment of “Today.” Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, a William & Mary alumnus, will join the show’s anchors as a co-host of the episode. According to Today.com, Dreyer and Roker will also take viewers on a tour of Williamsburg, stopping by landmarks and eateries. Visit Williamsburg, a marketing organization, is bringing the show to town as its sponsor.

“Trust us, this is not going to be your average school field trip,” Roker said on a recent episode.

“We are going to walk the same streets as the Founders,” he said. “And we’re going to visit amazing restaurants, local breweries and, as everybody must do to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, eat pancakes because Williamsburg — I did not know this …”

“Fun fact,” Dreyer interjected.

“… is known as,” Roker continued, “the pancake capital of the world.” And he’s not wrong. Williamsburg refers to itself as the “Pancake Capital of the World” because of the concentration of pancake restaurants in and around its small downtown area. Fans can sign up to attend the live broadcast from the Governor’s Palace in the Historic Area for free at https://events. bizzabo.com/852141

The Lion King Broadway musical returns to Chrysler Hall April 30-May 17, Peter Hargrave who plays Scar, tells us all about it

Interview By Yiorgo

The Lion King enthusiasts rejoice. The long triumphant awaited return is over. For 18 days and 23 performances at Chrysler Hall, the entire Serengeti will come to life with giraffes strutting, birds swooping, gazelles leaping and so much more and all will see the now all too familiar, iconic Pride Rock with Mufasa on top of it holding up baby Simba very proudly for all to see.

More than 130 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry and the unforgettable music of Disney’s The Lion King Broadway spectacular musical. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway: Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor, Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and Tony Award®-winning musical artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

For tickets, times, dates and so much more, go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/disneys-the-lion-king-1

Yiorgo: With us today is Peter Hargrave who plays the role of Scar in the North American Tour of Disney’s The Lion King. Tell us Peter, why should people come to see The Lion King? What will they see, hear, and experience?

Peter Hargrave: The Lion King is definitely the defining musical of our generation. It’s a celebration of so many things. First and foremost, it is the telling of this story that is so nostalgic for a lot of our audience that grew up with the animated feature. The benefit of telling the story on stage is that the audience is getting an experience that they won’t get to find anywhere else, the telling of the story through 230 puppets, which are in our show and are all operated by actors and singers and dancers. The cultural experience is further enhanced by the use of so many different languages. Also, six members of our cast are from South Africa. So when you come to Chrysler Hall, you get to have the total experience: via the lens of puppetry, via the lens of dance, and via the lens of language that are all told through this classic story that we all know and love.

Y: For those still living under Pride Rock, pun intended and for some reason not familiar with the movie or the story, and without giving too much away, tell us about what this story is about.

PH: The story is about a coming of age tale for a young prince that faces adversity early on in his life, and it’s about him finding his own identity and also stepping into his family’s legacy as a means of overcoming that adversity. And he does that via the family that he’s created from back home. And then, of course, some pivotal friends that he needs along the way. The other thing that I really believe is so true about our story is that it’s a story that grows up with you. So if you have seen the story when you were a kid, you sort of identify with the rebellious nature of young Simba. You know it’s that adversity piece that kind of grows up with you and you come back to the show after being away from it for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, whatever it may be, you find that the story has a whole new meaning for you.

Y: Speaking of the original movie, how similar or faithful is this musical to the original Disney cartoon movie that we all grew up with?

PH: You’ll find a lot of the things are very similar in terms of spoken text, primarily the songs that you love. If you love a song from the animated feature, it’s going to be in the

stage musical. But, being on the stage too, it gives a little bit more room for the world to be built via visual storytelling, particularly in our version, the musical version that was directed by Julie Taymor and the puppets designed by Michael Reilly. They’ve created, they’ve sort of built out the world. Things that you recognize from the movie that weren’t as big of a deal in the movie, suddenly get a highlight moment in the show. So really it’s the greatest hits from the movie. Those are absolutely going to be in there. And then there’s even more, like I was saying earlier, that just builds on the world to make it feel like a full experience. Also, our North American Tour is lucky to have performers from all over the world: South Africa, France, Japan, from all over the states and from Canada. It’s a marvelous company of people that you’ll get to see on stage and the most incredible theatre technicians working behind the scenes, that get to bring this Broadway show right into your home community.

We’re always really excited to come into any particular community and find out about the place that we get to perform in and get to meet the people, even if it’s only meeting them through the experience of being in the same theatre with them for a night. It really means a lot to all of us to be able to come into your community and live amongst you for a couple of weeks.

Y: So, let’s talk about your character Scar. What is his function and purpose in the musical?

PH: Well, via the lens of Hamlet, which our story is loosely based on, Scar is King Claudius, a jealous brother that has always felt second best to the rightful king, which is his elder brother, Mufasa. Our show has a great hero and every great hero needs a great villain and Scar is absolutely a great villain. He’s funny, he’s smart, he does have a chip on his shoulder and all these things lead to the main source of conflict and the plot, certainly. But also, “Be Prepared” is probably the greatest villain song in the Disney Canon, so it is a great privilege to sing it every night.

Y: Your Scar costume is absolutely breathtaking. Can you tell us about it?

PH: I’m not just saying this. I mean, it really is like one of the most iconic, useful costumes of Broadway history. It’s both mechanical and obviously a beautiful costume. I carry five mechanical boxes under the costume which are all hidden and it has wires that run up to the top of the mask that help the mask to move, when Scar is feeling angrier and more animalistic. The costume is 37.5 pounds, so it really is a beast of a costume, but it’s such an aid to the storytelling mechanism. I have five mechanical boxes that are hidden under the leather chaps and it all centers on a little remote control that has two levers that’s hidden in my hand. I always joke that my mom is lucky that I played all those video games when I was a kid. I can do things with my hands while doing other things.

Y: How do you go about playing such an iconic character voiced originally by Jeremy Irons and make it your own?

PH: Well, I think our worldwide directing team is really good about helping us find our own version of these characters because of course, Jeremy Irons is perfect in the role of Scar. That version of Scar is the version that a lot of our audience members have in mind. And it’s definitely a major influence on how I play the part. But try as I might, you know, I’m not going to be able to achieve his vocal quality throughout the course of the show. And that’s what our worldwide team is really good at, helping us create, and bringing our own sense of humor, our own point of view to that character and specifically with Scar, I think it’s bringing your own story and your own pain to sort of help yourself align with that thought process of thinking. I think our creative team is really good at helping us find those answers for ourselves. So, while we’re playing this iconic character that we all certainly have expectations of, and I hope I fulfill those expectations, it’s also doing it in a way that feels authentic to yourself. The goal is to make sure it feels real to the audience as well and look for that perfect balance. I want

to honor what the character’s legacy is but I also have to do it in a way that I can pull it off eight times a week at the theatre.

Y: From the scenes or songs or both that you get to perform in the show, do you have a favorite one that you can’t wait to perform every night or does that change from time to time?

PH: That’s such a good question. I mean, as cliche as it might sound, it’s got to be my/ Scar’s song, “Be Prepared” right? It’s one of the numbers that almost the entire ensemble is on stage for. Our show gets the benefit of having such a large cast, but as an actor, getting to be on stage with so many talented people at one time, they’re all supporting a song that happens to be, the lyrics are sung by Scar. But getting supported by your ensemble members is just really an incredible feeling and technically, it’s also a beautiful scene that has a wonderful set piece that moves. While the focus of the song is on Scar, it really feels like I’m just being supported by everything from the technical elements to the people I’m on stage with. So that’s pretty fun.

Y: How about a favorite number that you are not in, but you really enjoy seeing from the side?

Yeah, I think it’s a living, breathing thing that we’re traveling around doing the show 8 times a week. I’ve been lucky to be on the road for three and a half years doing the show. So certainly my favorite part sort of oscillates. The thing that will never get old to me, though, and I’m not even on stage for it, but I’m off stage during the circle of life at the beginning of the show, which is the most amazing opening number in musical theatre history. And I saw the show for the 1st time when I was 11 years old. And it feels like I’m 11 years old again, every night watching from the wings, getting to see this incredible number happen and kind of hearing the audience experience it every night. That will never get old to me. The audience really is a character every night and a very pivotal part of how the

show goes on any given night. And we really are, in communion with the audience and they can help you lean in and lean away from different elements of your performance and different elements of the story on any given night just based on their collective reaction and experience of the show.

Y: Okay, so let’s learn about you. Where were you born? What was life growing up like, and what made you fall in love with acting, theatre, and everything else?

PH: I was born in Oxford, Mississippi, originally, and then very quickly, by the time I was two, I was raised in Emerald, Texas, which is a small town in the panhandle of Texas.

It’s a very isolated town. It’s equidistant from Dallas and Denver, sort of the 2 big cities that we would go to and it’s 6 hours from both of those. But, because it’s sort of an isolated community in West Texas, they invested a lot of money in the arts and when I was in 6th grade, that’s when I really got bit by the bug. My parents were really nurturing of that interest and we would always go see shows. My dad, when I was 11 years old, took me to see Les Miserables and the Lion King, and that was when I was, head over heels,

sort of in love with theatre and that’s where I really stepped up my commitment to being involved in the children’s theatre and I did that through high school and ended up going to college for theatre, still in West Texas, and at some point you make the leap to the big city, you decide whether or not you’re going to go to New York and, my wife and I, were lucky that we were brave enough to move to New York and we’ve made it work.

Y: tell us about a pinch me moment or two that you can’t believe you got to experience because of being in this beautiful, wonderful, crazy business of ours.

PH: Oh, man, that’s such a great question. It’s so hard to pick just one. I would say a very meaningful one for any New York actor to be on the TV show, “Law and Order Special Victims Unit.” That’s such a rite of passage for us to be on such a New York based show. I got to have a day on set with Mariska Hargitay, and they were sweet enough to FaceTime my wife from the set. That was a show that we had watched when we moved to New York City, and it was really cool to feel like I was a really tiny part of that organization.

My second wow, pinch me moment is, my wife and I had a daughter a year ago and to have our daughter come to the theater between shows and getting to see me in costume, especially the makeup of this iconic show that I didn’t ever think I was going to be a part of, but now also getting to see it through the lens of this brand new being in my life.

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

Military parents turn lived experience into lifeline for families navigating Autism

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — For many military families raising a child with autism, the most trusted guidance doesn’t come from programs or policies, but from other parents who have walked the same path. In this time of increasing uncertainty and more frequent or unexpected deployments, that peer-topeer support can become even more critical.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and autism specialist Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, say that firsthand guidance became an essential source of support when their son was first diagnosed. As they navigated a complex maze of healthcare, education and support services — all while managing frequent relocations and the demands of military life — they found their most trusted resource in other families facing similar challenges.

“We learned quickly that the best resource available was other families just like us who had already walked part of the journey we were just beginning,” Jaime Parent said. “We made a pact that when it came time for us to give back, we would.”

Today, they are fulfilling that promise with their new book, The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum. Based on decades of experience, their insights blend practical strategies with empathy, helping readers manage healthcare, education, benefits, and transitions during service and beyond.

“Even when services technically exist, waitlists, eligibility differences between states, and gaps between military and civilian systems can leave families feeling like they’re always starting over,” Tracy Parent said. “The emotional labor of this repetition — on top of the everyday demands of military life — can be exhausting.”

Honest and thorough, The Mission at Home is the only book of its kind that goes beyond school and healthcare concerns and provides additional information to help families:

„ Ease transitions for children with autism after a military move

„ Manage a military career with a child with autism or another disability

„ Plan for school transitions and advocate effectively for their child

„ Navigate TRICARE, EFMP, and other military programs with confidence

„ Develop a long-term financial strategy

„ Prepare for life after service, including housing and employment options

„ Reduce stress and strengthen family resilience through proven tools

“Autism requires lifelong work and strategies,” Jaime Parent added. “Your mission at home matters as much as the one in uniform.”

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jaime B. Parent is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel of the Biomedical Science Corps and a passionate advocate for military veterans and individuals with autism or other intellectual disabilities. He is a sought-after speaker at veterans and disability events as well as conferences in healthcare, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, including the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME). Parent also established the EN-Abled Vet program, a one-of-a-kind internship that teaches disabled veterans entry-level healthcare computer skills, which was featured on television (CBS2 Chicago) and radio (WCBT Chicago).

Elizabeth Tracy Parent, Ed.S., is a dedicated educator, administrator, trainer, autism advocate, and military spouse with over 20 years of experience supporting children with autism and neurodiverse needs throughout multiple military moves. As a skilled consultant and presenter, she has partnered with school districts across the United States and internationally, including in Russia. She has developed online trainings and courses used globally, equipping educators and families with practical strategies for inclusion, disability awareness, behavior management, executive functioning, and educational intervention.

For more information, please visit www. themissionathome.com or find the authors on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/ in/jaimeparent/ and www.linkedin.com/in/ eliztracy-parent122.

Watch a recent interview here: https:// wjla.com/good-morning-washington/ the-misson-at-home-aims-to-ease-isolation-and-show-life-goes-on-after-autismdiagnosis.

The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum

„ Publisher: Bloomsbury

„ Release date: February 19, 2026

„ ISBN-13: 978-1538196823

„ Available on Amazon.com

pact travel.

Visitors will find sustainability woven into experiences, with reusable products, recycling efforts, and environmentally conscious vendors at events like Yorktown Market Days, making it easy to enjoy Yorktown responsibly.

INSIDE VIRGINIA’S FRONTLINE EFFORTS TO RESCUE MARINE

WILDLIFE

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program coordinates responses for all marine mammals and sea turtles on Virginia’s 7,000 coastal miles. This nationally recognized team of staff and volunteers works 24 hours a day and 365 days a year responding to stranded animals, providing exceptional medical care and

Mountain Lake Lodge sits within 2,600 acres of protected Appalachian forests in Giles County and has stewarded this ecologically significant landscape since 1851. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, the lodge partners with the Mountain Lake Conservancy to support conservation efforts across the surrounding wilderness, including trail restoration, native habitat preservation, and watershed protection that sustains the biodiversity of the Jefferson National Forest corridor. (PHOTO COURTESY OF

rehabilitation support. Since the program’s inception more than 30 years ago, the team has responded to more than 10,000 stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.

The aquarium also participates in OspreyWatch, a global monitoring project where citizens and scientists collect data on breeding osprey. They monitor ospreys that build nests and raise their young along the Lynnhaven River, home to the largest population of breeding osprey.

VIRGINIA’S ONLY CERTIFIED ORGANIC WINERY SETS THE STANDARD

Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery is the only certified organic vineyard and winery in Virginia, and one of only three on the East Coast. Located along the famed Monticello Wine Trail in Albemarle County, this family-owned and operated winery creates delicious wines that reflect the beauty of nature.

Choosing hybrid grape varietals resistant to diseases helps maintain organic growing conditions.

The winery is certified by Quality Certification Services, the USDA’s organic enforcement arm, every year to ensure the stringent requirements are upheld. Additionally, they maintain a robust population of beneficial insects to keep the more harmful bugs at bay.

GIVE BACK TO NATURE WITH A MAGICAL LEFAY COTTAGE STAY

Set on five acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, LeFay Cottage at Little Washington integrates sustainability into its guest experience through its Enchanted Garden Initiative, emphasizing biodiversity, seasonal planting, and a deep connection to the natural environment. Proceeds raised

from the initiative are used in conjunction with hands-on community efforts to build and maintain local gardens.

In addition to the Enchanted Garden Initiative, the cottage’s on-site lavender farm and cultivated gardens are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but to support pollinators and encourage regenerative land use, reflecting their commitment to preserving the natural landscape.

RESTORING TRAILS & PROTECTING

WILDERNESS AT MOUNTAIN LAKE

LODGE

Mountain Lake Lodge sits within 2,600 acres of protected Appalachian forests in Giles County and has stewarded this ecologically significant landscape since 1851. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, the

lodge partners with the Mountain Lake Conservancy to support conservation efforts across the surrounding wilderness, including trail restoration, native habitat preservation, and watershed protection that sustains the biodiversity of the Jefferson National Forest corridor.

The property offers more than 22 miles of maintained hiking trails and a dedicated Trail Center, providing structured access to the Appalachian ecosystem while emphasizing responsible land use. More than minimizing impact, Mountain Lake Lodge serves as a living laboratory for responsible tourism— demonstrating how historic hospitality can actively contribute to environmental restoration and long-term conservation.

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU ANSWERS:

ASSOCIATED WITH VOLCANOES