National Public Lands Day Recap: Valley Forge National Historical Park

A graphic design image advertising NPLD at Valley Forge National Historical Park

To celebrate the 31st annual National Public Lands Day on September 28, 2024, the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) office is excited to highlight a special event at Valley Forge National Historical Park. This year’s celebration brought together community members, park staff, and dedicated volunteers around the theme of "Together for Tomorrow”.

Two people in gloves and sunglasses smile while cutting a thick branch.

National Environmental Education Foundation's National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. It is held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. National Public Lands Day is also a “Fee-Free Day”—entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. NEEF (the National Environmental Education Foundation) coordinates National Public Lands Day. The event brings together hundreds of thousands of individual and organizational volunteers to help restore the country's public lands.

On a crisp National Public Lands Day morning, 11 dedicated volunteers gathered at Valley Forge National Historic Park, ready to lend a hand in preserving and maintaining the park. The group consisted of 7 passionate Weed Warriors and 4 talented members of the Tailoring Brigade, each eager to contribute to projects that would enhance the park’s natural and historical resources.

Two people are shown concentrating while they complete sewing projects.

The Tailoring Brigade, set up in a visible area to raise awareness, focused on ongoing projects for the park’s living history program and regular VIPs. Their careful handiwork included sewing and mending period-accurate garments, helping to support the park’s educational programming by ensuring that re-enactors and staff had the historical attire needed to bring the past to life.

Meanwhile, out in the park’s natural landscape, the Weed Warriors were hard at work tackling a tough patch of invasive bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and wineberry. In just three hours, they cleared an impressive ~200 square feet, restoring vital space for native species to thrive.

Two people work together to secure a metal wire cage around a newly planted tree.

The Weed Warriors didn’t stop there—they also took on tree cage maintenance, helping to protect the park’s young trees from deer browsing. As a final flourish, they planted four new native trees—serviceberry, hackberry, and pawpaw—adding to the park’s biodiversity and ensuring future generations of visitors will enjoy the beauty of these species.

The projects wrapped up around noon, and through the volunteers’ hard work, they left a lasting mark on the park. Each participant received a fee-free coupon from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), allowing them to explore other public lands across the country at no cost for a single day. The park also encouraged volunteers to stick around and enjoy the recently renovated Visitor Center, complete with updated exhibits and a refreshed park film.

Two people work together to secure a plastic cage around a young tree.

By the end of the day, the volunteers not only contributed to meaningful conservation efforts but also had the chance to enjoy the park and reflect on the impact they’d made. From clearing invasive species to supporting the park’s historical programs, every volunteer walked away with the satisfaction of knowing they played a part in preserving Valley Forge National Historical Park for future generations.

The official logo of the Volunteers-In-Parks program.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Make a difference in our national parks—become a Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) today! The National Park Service offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or on the front line, you can choose from one-time service projects, volunteer events, or long-term positions. Some roles require specific skills and a background check, while others simply need your passion and willingness to help.