Nature & Science

Valley Forge National Historical Park encompasses an area of great historical significance, as well as a substantial area of native biodiversity. The 3,500-acre park is one of the few, large, contiguous, protected areas in southeastern Pennsylvania that has a variety of habitat types including a river, numerous streams and forested wetlands, eastern deciduous forest, and tall-grass meadows. The park is surrounded by residential, commercial and industrial developments of Montgomery and Chester Counties on all sides; it is an oasis for native wildlife.

 

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  Plants

  Over 730 species of plants are known to occur within the park.

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  Animals

  More than 315 species of animals have been reported within the park — 227 of these are birds!

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  Environmental Factors

  Nonnative species, light pollution, noise, and air quality all affect the ecosystems within the park.

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  Natural Features & Ecosystems

  Valley Forge is an oasis of open space consisting of 3,500 acres of fields and forest surrounded by residential development and roadways.

 

Invasive Rusty Crayfish

NPS/VAFO

The Crayfish Corps

In 2008, the rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) invaded Valley Creek in Valley Forge National Historical Park. The rusty crayfish is a highly aggressive, non-native species that poses a significant threat to the continued health of the stream ecosystem.

Want to help?

Visit the Crayfish Corps webpage to learn more!

All ages are welcome and park staff will provide necessary training and equipment. Crayfish removal is accomplished using hand nets. Participants should be prepared to get in the stream and get wet.

 

The white-tailed deer management plan can be viewed here.