Pennsylvania’s State Park system is celebrating its 120th anniversary. The first state park in Pennsylvania was established at what is now Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Originally Valley Forge State Park, it became a national park as part of our country’s bicentennial celebration.

The state park at Valley Forge was established in 1893 by the Valley Forge Park Commission "to preserve, improve, and maintain as a public park the site on which General George Washington's army encamped at Valley Forge."

It was the first of what is now an award winning 120-park system in Pennsylvania. Valley Forge represents an important step toward conservation and preservation of our lands and waterways for the people of the Commonwealth and as a cornerstone of a strong tourism base.

Mont Alto State Park, the second park in our park system (1902), is now the oldest park still owned by the Commonwealth. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a series of special events. So much rich history can be found in our park and forest lands!

In honor of the establishment of our state park system with creation of Valley Forge State Park, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is holding a one-day-only photography event in Pennsylvania’s state parks.

On May 25, participants are encouraged to visit any of Pennsylvania's 120 state parks and snap photographs of what they see. The event will provide a visual story of a typical day in the life of a Pennsylvania state park.

Photos may be submitted by visiting the Foundation’s Facebook page and filling out the form on the “Park Photos” tab. Photos of state parks taken on May 25th from participants of all skill-levels will be accepted into the album until May 28 at 10 a.m.

5/27/2013