Close out February with a visit to one of your favorite parks. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors with a twilight hike or stay inside for a virtual lecture, these parks and recreation events will connect you to the region this weekend.
Breaking Down the Wall of Slavery at Carlyle House
Thursday, 7-8 p.m.
Continue to celebrate Black History Month with a local lecture. Join Maddy McCoy of the Slavery Inventory Database to discuss how those enslaved at the Carlyle House were identified and the importance of telling the full story of the historic house. // $5
Campfire Your Way
Friday, 3:30 p.m.
Spend your Friday night in the woods. Families will spend the afternoon learning about nocturnal animals and their survival strategies. Top off the evening with a night hike to a roaring campfire for some delicious marshmallows. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale; $90 per family
Leave it to Beavers
Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon
Take a trip to the boardwalk for a morning with the beavers. Guests will learn about why beavers build dams and lodges and what role they play in creating a healthy environment. Participants are asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; free
Whistling Woodchucks
Sunday, 3-4 p.m.
Search for woodchucks in the open fields of Mason Neck State Park. Participants can get all of their woodchuck questions answered, from if they are related to pigs to if they really do check wood. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; free
Twilight Boardwalk Stroll
Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
Join the animals of Huntley Meadows Park for an evening under the stars. Stroll the boardwalk and listen to the nocturnal creatures come to life as the sun starts to set. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria; $9
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