Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Join us for a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., Wed., Sept. 3, to celebrate the completion of an ADA-accessible pathway at Bass Lake at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock. Refreshments will be provided. The previous gravel entrance leading to the lake from the parking lot had become eroded, making it challenging to traverse. “Providing access to Bass Lake is about more than recreation — it’s about belonging, health, and the restorative power of nature. Everyone deserves a space to breathe deep, find peace, and experience the beauty of the High Country and the Parkway,” said Adam Combs, Director of Waypoint Adventure North Carolina. “This new pathway makes that possible for people with disabilities, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the doors it will open.” The Foundation’s previous projects at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park include the construction of restrooms at the lake, maintenance of the carriage trails, repairs to Flat Top Lookout Tower, and extensive repairs to the exterior of Flat Top Manor. http://bit.ly/3JA9YHT

We're looking for a creative and driven Marketing Associate Director to join our team! We’re all about protecting the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway and supporting the vibrant communities that surround it. This new role is key to bringing the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan to life. You’ll lead the charge in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that connect Parkway visitors with nearby towns—boosting local jobs and energizing the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation scene. If you're excited about making an impact while working with a team that loves the outdoors as much as it loves meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/e46ptbi7

Grab your spot to attend the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit, July 8-10, at the stunning Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va. Attendees representing tourism, economic development, outdoor recreation, planning, nonprofits, and the general public will connect with people from all across the 29-county Blue Ridge Parkway corridor to foster regional unity and growth. This year’s summit features keynote speaker Ta Enos, a writer, mom, and founder and CEO of a regional nonprofit that is helping to revitalize the rural Pennsylvania Wilds region through intentional place-based outdoor recreation development. By joining fellow residents and regional leaders, you will discover new ideas, hear the latest updates and progress reports, learn about upcoming grant programs and other plans, and make new connections as we continue to work together to advance the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. For more information and to register, visit https://lnkd.in/eAyDiyVh We look forward to seeing you there!

Mabry Mill is getting a new roof! Thanks to support from Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation donors and National Park Service funding, a historic preservation crew is replacing the damaged and weathered shake roof atop the beloved building.   The project required extensive planning to ensure historical accuracy. This initiative is being undertaken with the assistance of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC). The HPTC will install hand-riven white oak shakes crafted by Cumberland Mountain Craftsman based in Harrogate, Tenn.   During the project, scaffolding will surround the mill and limit access to the building’s interior. Park visitors can still explore the adjacent turn-of-the-century structures and trails and shop in the store operated by America’s National Parks.   “The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Community of Stewards has a long-standing commitment to preserving Mabry Mill,” said Kevin Brandt, Vice President of Engagement for the nonprofit. “There are a number of critical needs at this historic site, which can be addressed by leveraging donor support in conjunction with our partnership with the National Park Service. We look forward to continuing to support the preservation of this treasured site.”   The Foundation’s previous projects at Mabry Mill include rebuilding the water wheel and wooden flume. https://lnkd.in/e7Mdc6Pm

Register now for the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit, July 8-10, 2025, in Roanoke, Va. Learn more & save $50 by registering by May 31 at https://bit.ly/43b5Ynr

We are thrilled to announce that the Foundation has been awarded a three-year, $5.13 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support regional strategies to advance cultural and recreational tourism. The grant activities will benefit dozens of Appalachian gateway communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia that host millions of visitors each year. The Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies grant and matching funds will implement strategies outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, created with the input of hundreds of community leaders in the counties that neighbor the national park. Blue Ridge Rising marks the first time in the national park’s history that these counties are working together to implement travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation strategies. “After Hurricane Helene, wildfires, an ice storm, and other recent challenges, our local communities need this ARC grant now more than ever,” said Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “We look forward to putting these dollars to work quickly to enhance Parkway-related tourism and local economies.” Learn more at https://bit.ly/3RBF1nt

A few kind words can brighten a day. As the staff of the Blue Ridge Parkway continues to assess damage and complete repairs following Hurricane Helene, we want them to know their hard work is appreciated. We’re inviting you to share notes of encouragement with National Park Service employees on the Parkway. You can submit a note online here: https://bit.ly/4lflSW3. Or send a postcard or letter to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 322 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803. We’ll make sure your note gets to the national park’s dedicated staff. Please share this message with others so they can see just how many people stand with them in their mission to protect the Parkway. Let’s brighten the National Park Service staff’s day with messages of encouragement!

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is welcoming a slate of community ambassadors to guide the next steps of its Blue Ridge Rising initiative. The group of leaders will help implement strategies to unify gateway communities surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway for the betterment of the region. The group is composed of one representative from each Parkway community. The ambassadors will voice the unique needs of their communities, help prioritize and guide projects, foster partnerships, and identify appropriate funding sources. “I’m thrilled to be a Blue Ridge Rising ambassador, supporting the mission to strengthen relationships and boost economic growth in our gateway communities,” said Amie Newsome, Social Media and Content Manager for Visit Haywood. The ambassadors in North Carolina are Wes Greene, Ashe County; Mark File, Avery County; Thomas House, Buncombe County; Danielle Stilwell, Burke County; Jason Chaffin, Caldwell County; Amie Newsome, Haywood County; Carlos Martinez, Henderson County; Bernadette Peters, Jackson County; Shannon Odom, McDowell County; Spencer Bost, Mitchell County; Jessica Roberts, Surry County; Paul Wolf, Swain County; Carolyn Ashworth, Transylvania County; Ryan Robinson, Watauga County; Linda Cheek, Wilkes County; and Brywn Philips, Yancey County. The ambassadors in Virginia are Randy Nixon, Amherst County; Dwayne Jones, Waynesboro, Augusta County; Nicole Johnson, Bedford County; Jonathan McCoy, Botetourt County; Brooke Love, Carroll County; John McEnhill, Floyd County; Daniel Pinard, Franklin County; Tracy Cornett, Grayson County; Mercedies Ramstead, Lynchburg; Maureen Kelley, Nelson County; Rebecca Adcock, Patrick County; Pete Peters, Roanoke County; Sheryl Wagner, Rockbridge County; and Larry VanHoose, Galax, and Alleghany County, N.C. “It’s important to me that we continue strengthening the connection between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the other tourism assets in our community,” said Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Destination Bedford Virginia. “Together, we can make this beautiful region even better for both visitors and locals alike.” Blue Ridge Rising marked the first time in the national park’s history that all 29 Parkway-adjacent counties worked together to determine strategies that will have wide-ranging benefits for the region’s communities. Input from communities led to the creation of the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. The key themes of the plan are marketing, visitor experience, unified regional voice, resource protection, workforce education, and capacity building. Blue Ridge Rising was launched in part by two grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The initiative earned the Public Lands Alliance’s 2025 Outstanding Public Engagement Award. To learn more and review the Action Plan, visit BlueRidgeRising.com.

We are honored to be recognized by the Public Lands Alliance with the 2025 Outstanding Public Engagement Award for the Blue Ridge Rising initiative. Blue Ridge Rising marked the first time in the Blue Ridge Parkway’s history that all 29 park-adjacent counties in North Carolina and Virginia worked together to create strategies that will have wide-ranging benefits for the region’s communities. “We are honored to share this award with all the community members who offered their ideas and expertise to help identify strategies to enhance and unite the region surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Foundation Development Director George Ivey. “We look forward to executing these ideas to create ties that strengthen the relationship between our national park and its neighbors.” After a series of more than 35 local and regional meetings and the inaugural Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit, the initiative is working to implement the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, a guide that highlights the next steps in the collaborative process. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/eyB4gfpV. Photo: Foundation Development Director George Ivey addresses the audience during the Public Lands Alliance’s annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas, Nev. #publiclandsalliance #blueridgerising #blueridgerising #blueridgeparkway #wnc #swva #visitnc #visitvirginia

As the nonprofit partner for the most visited national park unit in the country, we stand firmly behind the Blue Ridge Parkway and those who make it an incredible journey. Welcoming visitor centers, safe campgrounds and picnic areas, and clean bathrooms are just a few of the critical visitor services made possible through the hard work and dedication of our park’s public servants. National Park Service employees also respond to accidents and emergencies and even ensure there is safe drinking water available in the park. The impact of their contributions to this amazing place go far beyond the borders of the national park. Drawing more than 16 million visitors per year, the Parkway generates $1.7 billion in economic support for the hundreds of small mountain communities that dot the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For every federal dollar invested in the Blue Ridge Parkway, more than $100 is generated for surrounding communities. We are proud to work with those who care for this treasured landscape that belongs to the people of the United States. Thank you for standing with us.