Protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo by Hugh Morton
Extending across parts of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited place in all of the United States’s National Park System. And it’s no wonder with the area’s scenic vistas and rich heritage. The unspoiled beauty and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains enchant visitors from all over the world.
To ensure the continued vitality of the local landscape, several organizations are worked tirelessly to preserve Blue Ridge’s rich history and natural beauty. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) was established by Congress in November, 2003 to “protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina.” BRNHA awards matching grants to support projects in the areas of Agricultural Heritage, Cherokee Heritage, Craft Heritage, Music Heritage, and/or Natural Heritage. It is also developing region-wide signage that will help raise awareness about the region’s culture and encourage more visitors to drive through the Parkway.
In addition, BRNHA has just unveiled a new state-of-the-art destination visitor center just east of Asheville. Located at milepost 384 on the Parkway, visitors to the region will find a lively travel planning experience and interpretive exhibits of the area. An interactive 22-foot long Parkway map helps visitors locate and learn about attractions on and off the Parkway, and a 20-minute film about the Parkway is shown in the theater. The building is one of the premiere green buildings in the region, showcasing the latest energy-saving technology.
Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to “protecting and preserving the Blue Ridge Parkway.” The nonprofit was awarded the first-ever Founder’s Award by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. Programs include Adopt-A-Trail, Preserving the Hemlocks, and the Kelley School Progam, which strives to preserve a two-room schoolhouse built in 1924. Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway also offers an eNewsletter to keep visitors and locals in the know about preservation efforts and special events.
Check back in the coming weeks to learn more about programs to preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.