Blue Ridge Parkway recruits volunteers for 2019 Project Parkway event

The National Park Service announced the second annual, Project Parkway on Saturday, April 27.

This single-day, park-wide volunteer project will help complete much needed work across the park and is ideal for people interested in learning more about the park through hands-on service. Parkway neighbors, volunteers, and enthusiasts will work alongside staff and partners to prepare the Parkway’s campgrounds and several picnic areas for the spring 2019 opening.

Each location will provide tasks appropriate for a wide range of skills and ages including students, scout troops, civic organizations, visitors, families, and retirees. Projects may be anything from leaf blowing and limb clearing to painting or basic trail work. Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, will be provided on site. Volunteer projects will begin at 9 a.m. and last until noon at most locations. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a lunch and stay for some fellowship with other volunteers and park staff following the work day.

“This event is the culmination of National Park Week. Last year, over 200 participants came out to help the Parkway during this event. It is this type of incredible support that allows us to go the extra mile to be ready for the season ahead,” said park Superintendent J.D. Lee. “We are excited to meet even more volunteers this year and are proud to have the support of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in this endeavor.”

Work Site Locations with Nearby Communities

About National Park Week

National Park Week is an annual celebration of National Parks held each year in late April. National Park Week is dedicated to raising awareness of our National Parks and the many opportunities for exploration, service and learning that are provided in our nation’s 419 National Park Units. To learn more about National Park Week Opportunities in your area visit www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm .

About the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary nonprofit fundraising partner, 501(c)(3), of the Blue Ridge Parkway, helping ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment now and for future generations. Since its inception in 1997, the nonprofit has worked with donors to invest in critical projects along the scenic road. For more information, visit www.brpfoundation.org.

About Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the primary partner in volunteerism of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For 30 years, FRIENDS has worked with volunteers and community groups to help maintain Parkway assets. Today, volunteers work on nearly all facets of the Blue Ridge Parkway to preserve the intricate natural environment and visitor amenities along the Parkway. www.friendsbrp.org

About the Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the north with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. The route travels the crests, ridges, and valleys of five major mountain ranges, encompassing several geographic and vegetative zones ranging from 600 to more than 6,000 feet above sea level. It provides visitors with many varied vistas of scenic Appalachian landscapes ranging from forested ridgetops and mountain slopes to rural farm lands and urban areas. The parkway offers a “ride-a-while, stop-a-while” experience that includes scenic pullouts, recreation areas, historic sites, and visitor contact stations. It is known nationally and internationally for its designed landscape as a scenic motorway. www.nps.gov/blri