This coming Saturday, Sept.17, 2022, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) will offer free admission as part of Smithsonian Magazine's 18th annual Museum Day initiative. Museums, zoos, and cultural centers from all 50 states participate in this annual day to encourage visitors to take advantage of amazing learning experiences.

Effective immediately, Mason Neck State Park in Lorton north of Woodbridge off US 1 is closed to the public until further notice. Virginia park officials said the park is closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is currently at home in quarantine.

Manassas National Battlefield Park will implement its second year of deer management to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests and protect historic landscapes Feb. 3 through March 31, 2020.

Local historians will guide Jan. 1 hikes at Neabsco Regional Park in Woodbridge (morning) and Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park in Bristow (afternoon).

Looking for something different to do this holiday season? Check out the Irene V. Hylton Planetarium’s presentation of “Holiday Lights" on Saturdays, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 at Hylton High School at 14051 Spriggs Rd. off VA 234.

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Dec. 2 presented Governor and First Lady Northam with a Christmas tree and wreath for Virginia’s Executive Mansion. Search for Virginia Christmas tree growers online at VirginiaGrown.com and on the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association’s website at VirginiaChristmasTrees.org.

As home heating season begins, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase. In Virginia, bulk deliveries of firewood for home heating are sold by the cord which is 128 cubic feet of firewood.

Prince William Conservation Alliance will host a community discussion of some development alternatives: conservation easements, transfer of development rights and purchase of development rights with three speakers Sept. 30 at Guiseppe's Restaurant, 5120 Washington Street, in Haymarket beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.