Located approximately 20 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army. The park receives 1.2 million visitors each year and contains about 3,500 acres of forested rolling hills, tall grass meadows, wetlands, and rough lawns. Recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant, including museums, theaters, concerts, fishing, boating, hiking, etc. For additional information please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/vafo [1] or Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.valleyforge.org/ [2].
Your time will be spent covering a wide range of activities, as follows: Biological Data Collection: Help collect data and tissue samples to monitor for potential wildlife diseases, specifically associated with long-term deer population reduction activities, Help manage data; Work with state and federal agencies. -Valley Creek Water Quality Monitoring: Download data from water temperature loggers; Field test protocols; Help organize and input data into a database. -Invasive Plant Management: Help control invasive plants by hand pulling, mowing and limited herbicide application; Map the distribution of invasive plants. -Wildlife and Vegetation Management: lead volunteer events; Conduct assessments and repair deer exclosures; . -Natural Resource Interpretation: Help develop brochures; Provide short educational programs; Help develop curriculum-based lesson plans -Trails and Water Resource Management: Maintain trails by clearing, mowing, vine removal, and installing water management structures; Help maintain riparian buffers. -Park Planning: Attend park planning meetings related to natural resources; Assist with filing, photocopying, and general office organization associated with the related position activities (limited). Note: This position is funded through the National Park Service Youth Program Initiative; therefore, applicants must be between 18 and 25 years of age.This position will require some work to be conducted at night, approximately during 6-8 out of the 26 weeks. When working on deer reduction activities, you may start working at 8:30-9pm and work until 5 or 6am. During these weeks you will work Monday and Tuesday nights, have Wednesday off, and work Thursday and Friday in the office.
Links:[1] http://www.nps.gov/vafo [2] http://www.valleyforge.org/