FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a non-profit, volunteer
organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting and enhancing the
Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure.
FRIENDS programs focus on preservation, protection and education.
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State
of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose current
principal business address for identification purposes is P.O.
Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018.
FRIENDS of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc.
A National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway approved
partner organization dedicated to preserve, promote
and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure,
for future generations.
This is a national model for working with local communities and developers to enhance the Parkway's views. It is FRIENDS' signature program. FRIENDS' members serve as community diplomats and raise funds for tree planting projects that restore ecological buffers between development and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This program is crucial to the future of the hemlock. FRIENDS funds research to eradicate the woolly adelgid, a tiny sucking insect that is decimating the hemlocks. FRIENDS secures funds for development of biological controls and chemical soil treatment.
FRIENDS volunteers adopt, construct, maintain and enhance over 100 trails spanning more than 350 miles. FRIENDS provides financial support for trail equipment and materials, trail head kiosks, maps and signage. Volunteers also improve trail accessibility for physically impaired visitors.
The VIP program encourages members and the public to volunteer service for the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS provides funding and volunteers for cultural demonstrations, youth fishing programs, historical enactments, craft workshops and theatrical performances. FRIENDS' leadership has increased annually the number of Parkway volunteers or their service hours.
Junior Ranger Program
This program is a cooperative endeavor between FRIENDS and the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS engages youth to explore, learn and protect through tree plantings, Bog Turtle presentations and other educational programs. Through their involvement with FRIENDS, young people develop an appreciation of the Parkway's natural resources and their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Youth VIP Program
This program promotes youth involvement in Parkway leadership positions. FRIENDS funds the resource materials required for youth to provide interpretive programs to the public. FRIENDS engages young people to build the next generation of conservation leaders.
Preserve Parkway Assets
This is one of FRIENDS' primary missions. FRIENDS' network of chapter volunteers has applied great passion and energy into repairing the split rail fences, painting milepost markers, landscaping Parkway facilities, removing litter, cleaning campgrounds and clearing invasive vegetation.
This is critical to ensuring that Parkway visitors have an opportunity to appreciate the culture and history of the areas they travel. FRIENDS supports the restoration and preservation of the Kelley School. The Kelley School will tell the story of Appalachian education from 1871 to 1939.
FRIENDS has established a Kelly School Fund for the restoration of the site to provide a cultural interpretive learning experience for Parkway visitors.
Parkway Donation Boxes
FRIENDS provides these boxes and volunteers to collect contributions. One hundred percent of all money collected is contributed to the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS Chapters provide major support for this project.
