Preserving U.S. History: Service at Valley Forge and Hopewell Furnace, Pennsylvania

The Trip

Like most National Historic Sites, Valley Forge and Hopewell Furnace require constant attention to preserve the landscape and restored structures. We will be a part of that ongoing work as we learn the history and ecology of the area. Established in 1893 as Pennsylvania’s first state park, Valley Forge appropriately became part of the National Park Service in the bicentennial year, 1976. This 3,500-acre park commemorates the third of eight winter encampments for George Washington and the Continental Army. At Valley Forge, Continental troops suffered from inadequate pay, food, and clothing, while approximately 1,700 to 2,000 soldiers died of epidemic disease. Just 22 miles away, the British occupied the former rebel capital of Philadelphia. Yet Valley Forge gave the Continental Army time to inoculate against smallpox. And by June 1778, Washington was able to produce a better-equipped, well-drilled fighting force, thanks to the expertise of Baron von Steuben.

Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell Furnace and other early "iron plantations" helped transform the United States into an industrial giant. Designated a National Historic Site in 1938, the park's 848 acres of grounds and historic structures illustrate the business and technology of our growing nation. Hopewell’s history encompasses numerous facets of American culture, including mining, smelting, arms production, and farming.

Both sites have extensive interpretive features, including museums and restored structures illustrating their centrality to the developing nation; we will have NPS experts initiate us into these unique and important places as we work to protect them.

The Project

Our work will primarily be at Valley Forge, participating in such projects as trail clearing and restoration, invasive plant removal, and preparation of areas for reintroduction of native plants as needed by the Park Service. We may also participate in similar projects at Hopewell Furnace, a National Historic Site about 20 miles away from Valley Forge, while learning about the civilian side of the Revolutionary period, including the rise of industry and farming. NPS staff will supply all tools, training, and supervision of the work projects while initiating us into the rich history of our worksites. No experience is required. Participants new to Service trips are welcome; there will be a variety of tasks suited to various skills and ability levels. Being in good physical condition will enhance your enjoyment of this exceptional opportunity. Come expecting to work, meet interesting people, and have fun!

Getting There

Valley Forge is located about one hour northwest of Philadelphia, just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A hotel shuttle operates between the Philadelphia airport and the Sheraton 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. Before the trip begins, limited participant contact information will be shared so participants may arrange ridesharing, including to and from the Sheraton or the bus depot at King of Prussia Mall.

Accommodations and Food

We will be staying in a historic building, which will be a unique opportunity to explore a venue not generally open to the public. Please be prepared to share your sleeping space and restroom/shower facilities.

Great food is always a highlight of our trips; meals will be prepared by our cook in a kitchen that is the newest addition to the historic structure. Our meals will be healthy, nutritious, and vegetarian-friendly. As is customary on Sierra Club Outings, participants will take turns assisting with meal preparation, kitchen tasks, and clean-up. Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies and/or strong food preferences must contact the cook to see if accommodations are possible.

Trip Difficulty

The service work -- trail clearing, deconstruction of social trails, invasive removal and preparation of the terrain for native plants, and the like -- may be moderately strenuous at times, but it will be varied enough 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 capability. Our workday will begin around 8:00 a.m., lunch will be wherever we happen to be around noon, and we'll take frequent water and rest breaks. We should finish for the day before 4:00 p.m. After work, you are free to relax, enjoy optional activities around the park, or just get to know your fellow participants. Bicycles are welcome.

Equipment and Clothing

The National Park Service will provide all tools for our work projects. You will need to bring work gloves, clothing appropriate for work projects, and a day pack large enough to carry your lunch, water bottles or hydration system, warm clothing, a camp ‘dry-seat,' and personal items such as camera, binoculars, bug repellant, sunscreen, daily medications. There will be a first-aid kit for emergencies but you should bring moleskin, band-aids, and any personal medications. Requisite gear also includes sleeping bag/sleep sack, towel, casual clothes/shoes, reusable lunch container(s), and personal toiletries. Participants will receive a detailed equipment list well in advance of our departure date. 

Late-night and pre-dawn temperatures during late October are likely to be cool; dressing in layers works well. Highs during the day should be in the 60s or 70s. Although fall in the Northeast is generally pleasant, there may be some cool and cloudy days and possibly rain. Please come prepared for any kind of weather.

References

• Valley Forge National Historical Park: www.nps.gov/vafo
• Valley Forge Convention and Visitor's Bureau: www.valleyforge.org
• Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/hofu
• Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Administrative History: http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/hofu/adhi.pdf
• Bodle, Wayne, The Valley Forge Winter.
• McCullough, David, 1776.
• Von Steuben, Baron, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.

Conservation

While its scenic beauty and open space draws many people, Valley Forge National Historic Park faces many conservation challenges, including invasive plant species, increased urbanization, and traffic congestion. The park's mission is to ensure that the site's fragile historic and natural resources are passed on to the next generation unimpaired. All visitors are asked to help preserve the park's many natural and cultural resources through a variety of endeavors. 

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused organization. All Sierra Club National Outings leaders are volunteers dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and preservation of resources, both locally and globally. Our hope is that the participants on this service trip will become strong believers in and advocates for protecting our threatened planet, and become dedicated stewards of the Earth and her many treasures. During the week we will talk with and attend presentations by Park Natural Resource Staff to learn about ongoing and future conservation efforts at Valley Forge National Park and Hopewell Furnace.

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Service outings, in particular, stand out as one of the Sierra Club’s most important “boots on the ground” conservation efforts. The work done by service trip participants in our nation’s public lands is a way of practicing conservation in the most direct way possible, whether it’s improving access while preserving wilderness values, restoring wildlife habitat, or repairing human-caused damage to a natural area. Service trips are a great way to pitch in and do something tangible to make the world a better place; they’re a way to go beyond just talking about conservation; a way to get out there and experience conservation with your whole being.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.