My Valley Forge Story: Jen Arnst

First time at Valley Forge Park- Summer of 1976 during the bicentennial celebration- I was 10! Number of visits- Too many to be counted.

My kinship with Valley Forge Park began in May 1990 when I moved to the area after college. At that time, I accessed the park primarily on my bike, riding from Audubon to the park via the old Betzwood bridge. I also grew fond of walking in the park and did so often, at the Pawlings Road entrance of the river trail. When I adopted my dog Birdy we began exploring the main parts of the park. Some of our favorite areas were Mount Joy, Mount Misery, the Grand Parade trail, Washington's Headquarters and the Chapel. Many of these trips included outings as part of the original Landscapes and Structures photo group run by Ranger Jeff. I met wonderful people and had the opportunity to explore new parts of the park.

Birdy the dog.

NPS/ Jen Arnst

Birdy was my soulmate and best friend. We bonded a great deal at Valley Forge. When she passed at the age of 18 years old I found myself back at the park, on my own, grieving but finding solace there. The park wrapped its arms around me and allowed me to cry and feel peace. The blue skies, the shade of the trees. the changing colors from spring to fall and the wildlife I was blessed to encounter on the way. Birds, butterflies, insects, squirrels, chipmunks, fox, snakes and deer all graced me with their presence and helped me feel connected to nature, the park, Birdy and myself.

I now have a new companion, Mr. Wags. We too, frequent the park and explore those places and keep adding more to our list. We take photos, sit on the hill at the top of the Grand Parade trail and watch the sunset, explore the ruins of the bottling company on Mount Misery and take in the history and beauty of Washington's Headquarters and the train station. We love sitting at the Maurice Stevens house and feeling the breeze across our faces as we listen to the red winged blackbirds in the spring.

Mr. Wags, a B.A.R.K Ranger, sits near a cannon.

NPS/ Jen Arnest

People ask me what part of the park I like most. There is no location I like best. My favorite part is a feeling. Coming here feels like an escape and my home, both at the same time. Here I feel connection to our history, admiration and awe of the nature that surrounds us and the privilege of living so close to such a beautiful treasure.