Valley Forge National Historical Park To Celebrate Trails Day

Free, June1 event to include guided hikes, conservation and health programs, and educational clinics.

Valley Forge National Historical Park will host a Trails Fair in celebration of American Hiking Society’s 21st annual National Trails Day. The event will be held at the Betzwood Picnic Area from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 1. This annual event is a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail systems and its countless supporters and volunteers. National Trails Day is celebrated in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This special day is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside and connect with local hiking clubs, community groups, and state and national parks. Free programs at Valley Forge will include guided hikes focusing on nature and history. Environmental organizations and conservation, health, and trails groups will …

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Egypt Road Construction Causing Traffic Headaches

Customers cannot access Walmart, Home Depot lot via Egypt.

A basic bridge repair has got many drivers in Norristown frustrated. Along Egypt Road, both School Lane and Heston Avenue have had road closures and marked detours, causing drivers in the area some extra hassle. Those wanting to shop in West Norriton's Walmart, Marshalls, Aldi, Home Depot or surrounding stores and eateries in particular have it tough. Drivers will have to use the access point along Trooper Road, at Boulevard of the Generals to enter the lot. Work is being done on the drainage area and bridge that allows for vehicle access along the Marshall's and Aldi end of the complex (adjacent to Heston Avenue). The road has been closed, forcing shoppers to head back out to Trooper Road. Some are using nearby parking lots to turn around…

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Schwartz Awarded 'Legislator of Year'

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) was given the 2013 ACT award.

Greater Valley Forge is thankful for the work she does, and the organization wanted her to know it. GVF's Executive Director Rob Henry and Assistant Director Maureen Farrell presented U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) with the 2013 ACT "Legislator of the Year" award for "her work in Congress to support transit funding, commuter benefits and infrastructure initiatives in Pennsylvania," according to a recent release from GVF's Carissa Bobenchik. The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) is a national organization, said Bobenchik, that "works to expand options for commuters and last week marked its seventh annual Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C." "As GVF advocates and promotes a viable transportation network for …

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Did You Know: National Parks in Your Backyard

National Parks Week brings a chance to visit local wonders.

You don't have to travel far to experience the very best the country has to offer. And this coming week is your chance. From April 20 to 28, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will present National Park Week 2013. "This year’s theme, 'Did you know…' is the perfect opportunity for Americans to learn amazing and unique things about their 401 national parks," said Kathy Kupper, of the NPS. "With free admission to all parks from April 22 through 26, it is also a great time to explore parks in your own backyard or across the country." The director of NPS said there is much to offer for those of all ages. "From bike tours and concerts to whale-watching and living history encampments, a full schedule of National Park Week …

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Much To Do in Montgomery County

As the weather warms, the county is abound with activities.

For many, warmer weather means it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the many attractions and events that Valley Forge and the surrounding area of Montgomery County have to offer. Here are a few examples: • Valley Forge National Historical Park: The site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1777−78, this hallowed ground of the Revolutionary War is rich with history and offers visitors informative tours on foot and by trolley car or onboard audio in your own vehicle. There’s also strolling, biking or horseback riding on 28 miles of designated trails. • The John James Audubon Center: This destination celebrates the namesake artist John James Audubon, preserving his first home inAmerica and highlighting its role in his development as …

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Sequestration in Montgomery County

Sequestration: Impact on National Parks

Part four of a four-part series on the impacts of Sequestration in Montgomery County. National historic parks, such as the one at Valley Forge, will see an impact should sequester not be stopped by midnight Thursday.

If heading to Valley Forge National Historic Park is on your to-do list this summer, you might need to double check the schedule. Due to sequestration, parks like Valley Forge may have staffing and hours on the "chopping block." “Every park in the system would be affected, including treasured places like Gettysburg, Independence Hall and Valley Forge, and the local economies that depend on visitor spending would also suffer,” said Cinda Waldbuesser, senior Pennsylvania program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association in a recent release. “National parks are economic drivers for local communities. Over the last two years, Pennsylvania’s national parks have welcomed more than eight million visitors, generating $325,000,000 in …

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Learn More about SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line Extension Project [VIDEO]

The GVF has produced this short video about the project to extend the Norristown High Speed Line into King of Prussia and Valley Forge.

Patch has been reporting on the planned extension of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) Norristown High Speed Line for some time now. The line currently carries commuters from the 69th Street Station in Upper Darby to the Norristown Transportation Center and SEPTA plans on extending the line into King of Prussia and Valley Forge. Residents were invited to three public meetings in January to view proposed plans for the "KOP Rail Project" and give feedback to SEPTA officials and other partners in the project. One of those partners, the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, has produced a short video explaining the project. More public meetings are also planned in the coming months. Watch …

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SEPTA Asks for Public Input on a New KOP Rail Project

Open sessions will be hosted throughout January to get the public's opinion on extending SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line to the King of Prussia and Valley Forge areas.

Have you ever thought it would be easier to get to and from the mall if the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, better known as SEPTA, would just operate a rail line in the area? To find out if that is the case, SEPTA has scheduled three public meetings to discuss a proposed addition to its current system. A new rail line propsed by the transportation authority would allow for a one-seat, one-train ride to take passengers on the Norristown High Speed Line to new stops in the King of Prussia (KOP) and Valley Forge areas. Meetings to garner public opinion are scheduled for the following dates: Each meeting will consist of three scheduled time slots, including: The events are planning to conclude by 8 p.m. Those interested in …

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Valley Forge Park's Revolutionary Shuttle Runs Seven Days a Week

Beat the summer heat, save money on gas and help save the environment by riding the Revolutionary Shuttle when you visit Valley Forge National Historical Park.

  From the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association: The summer is finally upon us and it's a great time to get out and explore Pennsylvania. When you visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, be sure to catch a ride on the Revolutionary Shuttle. The shuttle provides free transportation to nine popular spots at Valley Forge. Now in its fourth year of operation, the shuttle is an invaluable asset to visitors at Valley Forge Park.  "The shuttle is a fabulous way to see all the wonderful sites of the park without the hassle of driving." says Kate Hammond, Valley Forge Park Superintendent. "Visitors rave about the convenience of the shuttle and it leads to an overall higher quality visitor experience." The Revolutionary …

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Quiet Riot at St. Gabe's?

The initial reports indicated a riot, but police are saying it was a much less substantial altercation.

Police have offered more information on the incident at Saint Gabriel’s Hall on Monday, June 4. Two juveniles were arrested after starting a fight, but not quite a riot, authorities say. According to Lower Providence Police, at 11:42 a.m. on Monday, the department responded to a report of a disturbance in the dining hall of the juvenile detention facility for court committed males owned by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Because the initial report of the fight seemed to have exaggerated its size, police units from West Norriton Township, Schuylkill Township, Upper Providence Township, Upper Merion Township, and Valley Forge National Historic Park responded to assist Lower Providence Township police units. Saint Gabriel’s residential …

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