Getting Ready for 2016

The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. To us, it's not about cakes and candles — it's about being an organization ready to take on the challenges of our second century. Our blueprint to get there — A Call to Action — outlines the innovative work we want to accomplish. Blue Ridge Parkway is a big part of this effort. Take a look at what we're doing locally and get involved!

• "Kids In Parks" Program Creates Healthier Park Stewards Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

  

  The National Park Service’s long standing goal of “connecting people to parks” has been enhanced through the Kids In Parks partner program, initiated on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Modeled after the Junior Ranger Program and other NPS self-guided experiences, more than 600 kids have registered 800+ TRACK Trail hiking adventures. more than 15,000 miles hiked, approximately 2 million Calories burned, and more than 7,000 hours spent “un-plugged”, outdoors and active in nature. Read more

• Driving Through Time: The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway

  

  Call to Action Item # 3 encourages us to “expand the meaning of parks to new audiences and provide an opportunity for communities to learn more about their heritage." In collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, the Blue Ridge Parkway has created a digital history collection which focuses on the development of the scenic highway and the effects it has had on the communities and region through which it passes. Read more

• Making Music, Teaching Traditions And Inspiring Stewardship on the Blue Ridge Parkway

  

  Answering the Call To Action’s Goal # 16 ”Live and Learn” Over 42,000 educational contacts are made annually to Title 1 school students aimed at instilling a sense of pride in their heritage and stewardship of their surroundings. Read more