What a great day. We celebrated 250 years of independence and engaged with workshop leaders on topics like: public lands, landscaping to attract birds, protecting our streams from plastic pollution, fly fishing, nature journalling and enjoying all things outdoors.
The 2026 Valley Forge Day featured several workshops that honor the history of the area, the natural wonder and wildlife of our streams and public lands, information about how we can all help protect our streams from the threats of plastic pollution as well as ways to enjoy and protect America's National Parks for another 250 years. Here are some details and photos from the day.
Workshop Descriptions
Living History - Continental Soldiers Field Encampment Reenactment
Presented by Colonial Brewmiester & The Regiment
On December 19th, 1777, 12,000 soldiers having been defeated at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, came to Valley Forge to begin rebuilding and retraining. During their stay at Valley Forge, the ragtag Continental Army – an eclectic corps of African Americans (both free and enslaved), Indigenous warriors, enlisted soldiers and officers from 10 of the 13 former colonies, and various “camp followers” – learned how to act as a single united army capable of standing up to hardened British Regulars. The army that marched in was accustomed to retreat and defeat, having only won three engagements (Dorchester Heights, Trenton, and Saratoga) since 1775. The army that marched out was as capable as any modern European force and proved their muster by fighting the retreating British to a stalemate at Monmouth the following June.
Fly Fishing Demonstration
Presented by Valley Forge Trout Unlimited
Valley Forge Trout Unlimited demonstrated multiple fly-casting techniques for area streams, rivers, lakes and ponds that can be used for trout, bass, and a variety of other species. Visitors learned how easy it is to start and visitors tried their hand at casting a fly rod.
Also demonstrated was the skill of fly tying - take thread, fur, feathers and hair to create life-like imitations of insects and other food that fish typically eat.
Attracting Birds To Your Yard
Presented by Valley Forge Park Alliance
Thank you for stopping by the Birds workshop to talk about how you can make your gardens more inviting for birds to visit. Think less “landscaping” and more “birdscaping”.
Here’s a short interactive page that will help you assess and improve your garden. Birdscaping Yard Assessment & Blueprint Exercise
Plastic Pellets - Threats To Our Ecosystems
Presented by PennEnvironment and Beyond Plastic
Faran led a demonstration of how water samples are analyzed for microscopic plastic content. Pennsylvanians join international effort tracking plastic pollution
National Parks Are Preserving Public Lands For Generations To Come
Presented by National Parks Conservation Association
NPCA would like to thank everyone who took time out of their day to Celebrate Our National Parks as NPS turns 110! Please visit NPCA’s Day of Action webpage and make sure to sign our petition asking President Trump and Secretary Bergum to protect our parks.
Get Outdoors!
Presented by Sierra Club
Sierra Club Outings are more than just arranging a time and place to meet and walk on a trail. A lot more. Outings leaders talked about: researching the setting, the history, the environmental challenges and success stories of the area. And are trained in basic first aid, know how to get help in an emergency and have been mentored by senior leaders.
Delane and David enjoyed talking with many people that are interested in attending and perhaps leading hikes, bikes and paddles with the Sierra Club in the greater Philadelphia area. Learn more about local Sierra Club Outings.
Nature Journaling
Presented by Peggy Hartzell with help from WildWonder.org
Had a lot of people who really got excited about Nature Journaling especially as something to do for daily relaxation and enjoyment of nature.
One person got back into painting happily after not doing it for years as she painted the Arch and surrounding landscape. Many folks took an extra
little zines to give to their children or grands. One person is planning to keep a nature journal now on an upcoming trip too.
The Wild Wonder Foundation has a great website with free resources. You can download a PDF of the zine here too. WildWonder.org.
A few more photos from the day (Aug 23, 2026)
Thanks to our volunteer photographer for the day - Ben Vanelli - for all of these great photos.
Valley Forge Day - 2025
On a beautiful Saturday in early August, 2025, about 100 outdoor enthusiasts converged in Valley Forge National Historical Park for a day of biking, hiking, food, fun and education about the stress that all US National Parks, including Valley Forge, are feeling in the wake of budget cuts, interpretive display reviews and tremendous uncertainty about how they can effectively fulfill its mission.
Read more - Exploring, Enjoying and Protecting Our National Parks
