The view from Richland Balsam Trail, a 1.5 mile loop through a spruce-fir forest. This moderate trek is at milepost 431 in North Carolina on the Parkway.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s a lesson we’re all learning these days. In time, that patience can bring a sense of peace, just like the calm the Blue Ridge Parkway provides.

Many people are turning to the scenic drive, and the miles of trails it connects, for a sense of balance. Many others are staying home and dreaming of their first adventure once this storm has passed.

No matter how you are choosing to weather these difficult times, we know the Parkway is important to you. We also know that we owe a great amount of appreciation to the rangers who are essential to keeping this national treasure available to us. If you are making a visit, please help protect the Parkway, and take the time to review these simple ways to help keep everyone safe .
Be well,
Carolyn Ward, CEO
Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers
Your investments are helping rangers protect visitors and the park
For law enforcement rangers, ensuring the safety of millions of visitors along 469 miles of road in two states is no small feat on an ordinary day. Now, they are seeing a large influx of people looking to find comfort in the outdoors during this difficult time.
 
Your generosity laid the groundwork for making this a safer time for visitors and rangers. In 2012, your donations funded the construction of a Parkway Communications Center at National Park Service headquarters in Asheville, N.C. It provided a secure, dedicated work environment and state-of-the art radio communications network.
 
And just last year, your gifts funded a new Computer Automated Dispatch system to streamline how dispatchers assist rangers and local emergency responders with access to immediate mapping, site details, and background information. During periods such as these, when staff are even more isolated, the ability for law enforcement staff to reliably and efficiently communicate with dispatch and each other is more important than ever.
 
Thank you for investing in the protection of your fellow Parkway travelers and the rangers who strive to make every visit a safe one.
Parents, we know this time is tough. It's spring. The kids are home. And they're clamoring for activities to beat the boredom.

Our Kids in Parks program is here to help. The team has developed new activities and ways for children to stay active and engaged outside, whether in your own backyard or a green space close to home. They are free, fun, and educational!

The Blue Ridge Music Center has made adjustments to the initial shows of its summer concert series in keeping with Virginia Gov. Northam’s stay at home order in effect until June 10.

In response, the season is now scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 27, with the Kruger Brothers accompanied by Kontras Quartet. The shows with Amythyst Kiah and Barefoot Movement on May 30, Front Country and Dori Freeman on June 6, and Leroy Pierson and the Buckhannon Brothers on June 19 are canceled. The Music Center team is in the process of rescheduling the May 23 concert with Old Crow Medicine Show for the fall, and will announce the new date in the coming weeks.

Create a Parkway legacy
Do you want to create an enduring legacy that protects the Blue Ridge Parkway for generations to come? You can do it today by including the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in your estate plans. Learn more at BRPFoundation.org/plannedgiving or call Willa Mays at (866) 308-2773, ext. 305.
As the primary fundraising partner, 501(c)(3), and a trusted steward of the  Blue Ridge Parkway , the Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America's Favorite Journey . BRPFoundation.org