National Public Lands Day 2024 at Valley Forge

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To register:

Spaces are limited and volunteers must apply to this announcement by 12pm, Tuesday, September 10. Walk-ons will not be accepted. In your application, please mention your top two projects listed below. If you are a group leader, please provide the max group size.

Light Work:

1. Trash pickup(15 spots): Volunteers will walk along the park's JPM trail and use a trash picker and trash bags to remove trash. This project will be led by the Valley Forge Park Alliance in conjunction with the local REI King of Prussia store.

Moderately Strenuous Work:

1. Washington's Headquarters area - Whitewash a wall (4 spots): Volunteers will clean the exterior of a building near Washington's Headquarters. The work involves the use of pressurized water, brooms to clean the walls, and brushes to apply the whitewash. Think Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This project is important because it is preventative maintenance that restores the visual appeal of the building.
2. Washington's Headquarters area - Springhouse and Huts Clean Out (4 spots):Volunteers will remove debris and clear out any material blocking water from flowing out of the springhouse, as well as tidying up the guard huts. The work involves the use of a broom, shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow. NOTE: volunteers conducting hut clean outs will be given face masks and gloves. These projects are important because they will restore the function of the springhouse, reduce the likelihood for localized flooding and water damage to the structure. The Hut clean-out will aid with pest control and reduce long term damage to the structures. as well as improving the visitor's experience.
3. Varnum's Quarters area - Springhouse Clean Out (4 spots): Volunteers will remove debris and clear out any material blocking water from flowing out of the springhouse. The work involves the use of a broom, shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow. This project is important because it restores the function of this springhouse and reduces flooding and water damage to the structure.
4. Port Kennedy Train Station Clean Up(12 spots- FULL): Volunteers will pick up trash around the Port Kennedy train station. The work involves the use of trash grabbers, wheelbarrows, loppers, hand clippers. This project is important because it will help prepare the site for future park projects.
5. Weed Warriors (15 spots): Volunteers will use loppers, hand pruners, and other common hand tools to cut, pull, and remove invasive plants.

Highly Strenuous Work:

1. Trail Maintenance (16 spots): Volunteers will fill in the potholes along Valley Creek Trail​. The work involves the use of manual wheelbarrows, a gas-powered wheelbarrow, shovels, rakes, and tampers in order to move gravel from a staged location to spread into the low spots. This project is important because it improves overall safety for users of this very popular trail.

Schedule for the Day

Volunteers should plan to arrive between 7:45-8:15am to sign in at the Visitor Center Lower (Parking) Lot. The day will officially begin at 8:30 AM with some words of welcome from Valley Forge NHP Superintendent Rose Fennell, then participants will meet with the park staff who will serve as their onsite project leaders. Project work will take place from approximately 9 AM to noon.

Other important information

• Further information regarding required paperwork, safety and logistical preparation tips, and next steps will be sent to the final list of registrants.
• Each participant will receive 1 fee-free coupon from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF).
• In case of inclement weather, the event staff will notify registered volunteers by 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Start Date - 2024-09-28

End Date - 2024-09-28