Photo: Patty Rudolph Valley Forge National Historic Park Service, Pennsylvania Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08325A Price: $ 545 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 13 Leader:
The Trip Our visit to the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a unique combination of American history, beautiful surroundings and fall foliage, and the opportunity to support the National Park System. It was here, more than 200 years ago, that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force. Of all the places associated with America's War for Independence, none convey the suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph of our fledgling nation better than Valley Forge. Today, Valley Forge is a lush expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees. The park is a focus for regional recreation, and offers great hiking and biking. Much remains of the park's 18th century heritage, including houses, farm fields, earthen fortifications, and the objects used by both the civilian and military population. As mandated by Congress, the National Park Service's task is to preserve this area and commemorate its history. We invite you to join with us in supporting this mission. In addition to our time devoted to work and exploring the area, park experts
and naturalists will host talks, tours, and hikes to help bring this remarkable
place to life. The Project There are approximately 20 miles of trails in Valley Forge. Our work will involve maintenance of these trails, removal of non-native plants, and other related projects around the park. No experience is necessary, but come expecting to work! The work will require us to be in good physical condition, but will also involve a variety of tasks suited to various skills and intensity levels. The NPS will supply all the tools and training, and will supervise our work.
We'll meet in the afternoon of day one near the park welcome center. We will dedicate four days to our project and have three free days for exploring or relaxing. On one of our free days, we plan to organize an optional trip to Gettysburg -- another unforgettable place in American history. Numerous other sites are nearby, including Independence Hall and Hopewell Furnace. There are many options for exploring! Getting There Valley Forge is located just a half-hour north of Philadelphia. A hotel shuttle operates between the Philadelphia airport and theSheraton Hotel in King of Prussia, five minutes from Valley Forge National Historical Park. You are responsible for your own transportation to the park and for any accommodations you may need before or after the trip. As soon as a complete list of participants is available, the leader will forward copies to all trip members to facilitate carpool arrangements.
We will stay in dorm-style volunteer lodging within the park. We'll likely be in double rooms, so plan to share your sleeping space with another person. Restroom and shower facilities are shared, and you'll need to supply your own sleeping bag and towel. Great food is always a highlight of our trips. Our first meal together will be dinner on day one, and our last will be breakfast on the morning of day nine. (There will also be lunch fixings available on the last morning to get you on your way.) We take most dietary restrictions and preferences in stride;we'll gather more details on your eating and drinking inclinations before the trip.
The service work may be difficult at times, but it will be varied so that you can work at a comfortable pace. Safety is the primary concern on all of our service trips. No one will be asked to work beyond his or her capacity. Our work day will begin around 8 a.m. We'll eat lunch wherever we happen to be at noon , and we'll call frequent water and rest breaks. We should finish for the day around 4 p.m. After work, you are free to relax, explore, or just hang out and get to know your fellow participants. Late night and pre-dawn temperatures during October may bequite cool. Highs during the day should be in the 60s or 70s. There may be some cool and cloudy days, and possibly rain. Please come prepared for any kind of weather.
A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants well in advance of our departure date.
Conservation While its scenic beauty and open space draws many people in search of rest and recreation, Valley Forge National Historical Park's central mission is to ensure that the site's fragile historic and natural resources are passed on to the next generation unimpaired. The park was established to commemorate the determination, sacrifice, and achievements of General Washington's Continental Army. Visitors are asked to help preserve the park's natural and cultural resources, including those associated with the encampment of Washington's army. We also hope to host a talk from local Sierra Club members about other aspects of conservation -- namely, current environmental protection issues in southeastern Pennsylvania.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Leader:
Patty has enjoyed leading wilderness trips for the last 10 years with High School and College students and is thrilled now to be volunteering with the Sierra Club Staff. While raising 2 rambunctious boys in Illinois, she finds time to enjoy the outdoors though, hiking, canoeing, running, cross-country skiing, and never travels without a wildflower book or star chart. Service has taught her breathtaking stories of the beauty of our intricate world and reminds her to keep sharing what you know.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Paula Haydon has led Sierra Club trips across the United States and also volunteers for the Florida Park Service. In Florida she is Lead Volunteer for a large hospice where she teaches, does scheduling, and co-directs children's camps. Her hobbies include travel, cooking, reading, tennis, and golf. She loves the outdoors and meeting new people.