Article Summary –
Jessica Fair, a historical architect at Valley Forge National Historical Park, was among approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees terminated by the Trump administration on February 14, 2025, creating chaos within the agency as it struggles to manage over 85 million acres of parkland. This mass firing, part of a broader purge across federal agencies including the Department of the Interior, has been deemed illegal by a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic state attorneys general, and has left many former employees, like Fair, uncertain about their future and the fate of the parks they once served. Concerns have arisen about the potential for public lands to be sold off, as the administration plans further reductions to the NPS payroll, threatening the existence and operation of national parks and historic sites.
Less than a month ago, Jessica Fair was living her dream as a historical architect at Valley Forge National Historical Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Now unemployed, Fair is uncertain about her future. She was one of about 1,000 National Park Service employees fired by the Trump administration on Valentine’s Day, leaving the remaining staff to manage over 85 million acres of parkland. Former Pennsylvania Park Service employees described the process as chaotic.
“There was anxiety in the Park Service for weeks, but we thought we were safe,” said Fair, who resides in Malvern with her husband and three young children. Since last September, Fair was responsible for restoring historic buildings at Valley Forge and Hopewell Furnace. Her duties included overseeing George Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge.
The work seemed crucial ahead of 2026 events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But on Feb. 14, Fair learned via a Washington Post article about the impending firings. By day’s end, her supervisor confirmed her termination. Valley Forge lost four employees, while Hopewell Furnace lost one.
In the aftermath, Fair discussed the firings and attended President Trump’s March 4 speech with U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. When asked if she’d return to the NPS if her job were reinstated, Fair said, “Under this administration, I’m not sure. I don’t know what’s next for me.”
‘The complete dismantling of the National Park Service’
The mass firing of National Park employees affected staff at all 19 Pennsylvania sites overseen by the NPS. The Trump administration has been removing thousands from federal roles, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among those fired were 400 U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees and 800 Bureau of Land Management workers.
The firings are allegedly unlawful, according to a lawsuit by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. The National Parks Conservation Association is urging for job restoration.
Former and current NPS employees described chaos post-firings, from locked bathrooms at Yosemite to canceled rentals at Gettysburg. Last year, national parks saw a record number of visitors.
“We are witnessing the complete dismantling of the NPS,” said Edward Stierli from the National Parks Conservation Association. “Historic sites like Independence Park and Valley Forge tell America’s story. Without staff and funds, what is a park?”
In Pennsylvania, former employees noted low morale and anger. Some lost NPS-provided housing, becoming homeless. One anonymous fired employee feared retaliation and losing potential job reinstatement.
At John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, three of 11 employees were fired, leaving the facility to reassess programming. Jaclyn Rhoads of the Friends of Heinz Refuge speculated the administration might sell public lands.
“The threat of losing public lands is real,” Rhoads said. “Our existence and nation are at risk. Once these places are gone, they’re lost forever.”
The anonymous NPS employee warned of the destabilization of American institutions, risking the loss of national parks. “The ongoing destabilization threatens our ability to maintain them,” they said.
‘The selling off of public lands is a real threat.’
The Trump administration plans further cuts. This week, The Hill reported a potential 30% NPS payroll reduction. Stierli warned of future challenges, “Some parks may not open.”
The John Heinz Refuge, America’s first urban wildlife refuge, offers free programming for all ages. Rhoads anticipates further cuts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The loss of national parks would affect public health and the environment,” the anonymous employee said. “Destabilization could result in privatization, impacting landscapes and health.”
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