Mike Caldwell, Superintendent

National Park Week, April 20-27, kicks off the busy season for parks and for Valley Forge, in particular.

This season, we have one of the most ambitious program and event schedules in our recent history planned for all of you to take advantage of whether it be by participating in the Revolutionary Run, attending a special event such as the French Alliance Weekend with programs by both the park and the Washington Memorial Chapel or joining one of our Wild About Nature programs on a summer weekend.

Please visit us on the web, stop by a bulletin board while walking or running or talk with one of our rangers to get the latest on happenings.

April is also the time set aside to recognize and thank all of you who have volunteered in some way over the past year. In 2007, citizens from our community contributed over 36,000 hours of service.

There is not an activity within the park that does not benefit in some way from volunteerism including public programs, building preservation, trail maintenance, public safety and administration. While park staff are dedicated to both preserving the park and offering wide public access to the place
 

Gather your family and friends and join Valley Forge National Historical Park as they team up with Eastern Mountain Sports and Lipton Tea, Healthy Parks-Healthy Living Program to celebrate National Trails Day® (NTD), on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Betzwood Picnic Area.

Festivities kick off at 9AM and run until 3PM. The event will offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to discover and seek out their favorite trails, learn about and celebrate the many benefits that trails have to offer.

Attendees may also participate in health and environmental exhibits, gear demonstrations, educational workshops, hikes and have the opportunity to get your hands dirty helping with trail work projects.

NTD also provides an opportunity for the park to thank the surrounding communities for their support in helping to preserve an important and valuable resource.

To learn more about this event and how to volunteer on National Trails Day call 610-783-1065 or e-mail Ernestine_white@nps.gov
 

General Washington’s Headquarters Open 9am—5pm daily

The NPS will mark its 100th anniversary in 2016. Within the last year, Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne embarked on a mission to articulate the needs and challenges facing our national parks in this new century.

Over a period of several months last year, “listening sessions” were held around the country in which the public, NPS staff and volunteers participated.

Some of you, our readers, attended those sessions. Based on public input and internal discussions and research, the Secretary developed the Centennial Initiative. This initiative states a vision which aims to both meet the needs of the parks as well as those of future generations. The guiding goals for the NPS are the following:

• Lead America in preserving and restoring treasured resources;
• Demonstrate environmental leadership to the nation;
• Offer superior recreational experience where visitors explore and enjoy nature and the great outdoors, culture and history;
• Foster exceptional learning opportunities connecting people to parks, especially children and seniors;
• Achieve management and partnership excellence to match the magnificence of the treasures entrusted to its care.

Based on the above, all 391 parks were invited to submit partnership projects for consideration as Centennial Challenge projects. These projects required a 50% match from local partners. At Valley Forge, The Friends of Valley Forge and The Encampment Store stepped up to the challenge to assist us in securing funding for important park needs. A description of the Valley Forge projects which are in the final list of those being considered for funding is presented below.

The Valley Forge proposals certified as eligible to receive matching funds include a multimedia show for Washington’s Headquarters, a new connector trail at Washington’s Headquarters, and the expansion of Once Upon a Nation programming at the park.

To be certified, proposals had to be imaginative and innovative, addressed critical Service needs, had a philanthropic partner, required little or no additional recurring operating funds to be sustainable, improved the efficiency of park management operations and employees and produce measurable results.

“Partnerships are alive and well at Valley Forge” said Superintendent Mike Caldwell. “This is great news and it would not have been possible without the support from our partners in the community who have pledge over $185,000 in funding to match the potential centennial challenge funds.”

Valley Forge National Historical Park expects an announcement concerning the funding of these projects by the end of April, 2008.
 

The Law Enforcement Branch of the Division of Ranger Activities is here to provide emergency services to the public and park staff alike. Commissioned law enforcement rangers, who have federal police authority, patrol the park in vehicles, on bicycles, by boat along the Schuylkill River, and by walking the many trails.

Law enforcement rangers ensure that park rules and regulations are adhered to; provide various types of assistance to the public, for example emergency medical care and motorist assistance; and conduct investigations into a variety of crimes against people, park resources, and both public and private property within the park.

The law enforcement rangers are dispatched by Montgomery County Emergency Dispatch Services. You can help law enforcement park rangers by reporting incidents such as crimes, violations of park regulations, and suspicious activity.  In an emergency, call 911.

To report a non-emergency, please call 610-275-1222. A dispatcher will take your information and pass it along to the on-duty rangers so that prompt action can be taken.

Park Regulations

In order to protect park resources and visitors alike, the following regulations are in effect. Please adhere to these regulations while enjoying your visit! A full listing of park regulations can be found by accessing www.nps.gov/vafo.

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the park

• The use of skates, roller skates, skateboards, in-line skates and similar devices is prohibited.

• Please bike on approved trails only! Most trails on Mts. Misery and Joy and field areas are closed to bicycle traffic.

• Driving or parking outside of established roadways and parking areas is prohibited.

• Please do not feed any wildlife in the park!

• The launching of model rockets within the park is prohibited.

• The use of metal detectors or digging to retrieve any object is prohibited.

• Pets MUST be on a leash at all times while in the park. Please clean up after your pet.

• Climbing on cabins, earthworks, cannons, monuments or any other structures is prohibited.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance with
helping to protect the park for future generations.
 

The 230th Anniversary of French Alliance will be celebrated at Valley Forge on May 3 and May 4, 2008.

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Oneida Indian Nation will at Conway’s Brigade (near Varnum’s Quarters, Tour Stop #9).

National Park Service living history personnel and volunteers along with the Oneida Indian Nation will present formal artillery firing programs at 11:00 AM, 1:00 and 3:00 PM.

Throughout the day all are invited to mingle in the encampment site along the Trace Road with camp followers, Continental soldiers, and Native American warriors.

On Sunday, May 4th, the 2nd Pennsylvania Reenactment Regiment will be featured.

A special wreath-laying ceremony in front of Chapel at the Waterman Monument will begin at 11:45 commemorating the French Alliance and all who fell from France and the United States in securing our independence.

An Honor Guard from the Second Pennsylvania Regiment will be featured. Lieutenant Colonel Didier Gros, the Assistant Military Attaché, will speak at the Chapel and process to the Grand Parade to review the troops.

The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, soldiers and campfollowers will be at the Conway's Brigade area from 12:30 to 4:00 , near Tour Stop #9, with formal firing programs at 1:00 and 3:00.

All events are free.
 

The official newsletter of Valley Forge National Historical Park • Spring 2008

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