The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville is currently closed due to the government shutdown. Photo by Vicki Dameron
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As the government shutdown continues, we want to share information about the impact on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are answers to some of the questions we've heard most frequently from our Community of Stewards.
Why are some sections of the road closed and others open?
Before the shutdown, several sections of the Parkway were already closed due to poor road conditions created by a storm that took down many trees. Work to reopen these areas stopped when government employees were furloughed, therefore many gates remain shut.
Can I walk on the closed sections of the Parkway?
Yes. You can use the Parkway like a greenway for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
Is the Real Time Road Closures Map up to date?
No. Because staff is reduced to positions deemed essential, the Real Time Road Closure Map for the Parkway is not being updated.
Which National Park Service staff members are active?
Employees considered essential to operations remain on the job, including Law Enforcement rangers.
How can I help?
You can make it easier for rangers to get the park up and running when they return by taking care of the Parkway. During your visit, be sure to leave no trace in the park. If you pack an item in, please pack it out, including toilet paper, food wrappers, etc.
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Project spotlight: Mabry Mill
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Photo above by Karen Nelson, below by Vicki Dameron
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Mabry Mill
is one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is much more than just a pretty place. The mill and surrounding log structures built by Ed and Lizzie Mabry in the early 1900s are akin to an outdoor museum where visitors can learn about a bygone way of life in the mountains.
To ensure the learning continues, the flume that spins the waterwheel and nearby historical structures require repairs, such as new logs and shake roofs. The total cost for the project is $289,000. Half of the amount will be covered by a Centennial Challenge grant if the Foundation can raise $52,000.
Please help us fix these structures so National Park Service interpretive rangers can impart the tales of the past at Mabry Mill.
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January is the time to make plans to do good in the new year. Add protecting the Parkway to your list of resolutions with these easy ways to give back to the park!
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Check with your human resources department to find out if your company has a matching gift program to make your donation go even further.
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Purchase or renew your N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway specialty license plate this year. For each purchase, $20 helps protect the scenic route with $10 going to the N.C. DOT Wildflower Program.
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Sign up to make a sustaining contribution.
If you already donate each month, please consider increasing your gift by even just a few dollars. It can make a big difference.
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Photo by David Hill Photography
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Put a big star on your calendar for this year’s
Denim Ball
on Thursday, August 22 in Blowing Rock. Soon we’ll announce a surprise about the fourth annual fundraiser for
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
, so stay tuned!
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Mabry Mill underwent a restoration in the 1940s. In this photo, a worker makes shake shingles for the project near the blacksmith shop at milepost 176. The 30-inch oak timber shown was used to make the waterwheel shaft.
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Warm up your winter with us at the
Charity Chili Cook-off
during
WinterFest
from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, January 26 at the Blowing Rock School in Blowing Rock, N.C. The Foundation is partnering with the
Gamekeeper Restaurant & Bar
to create a delicious entry in the competition. You can taste chili from local nonprofit organizations and vote for your favorites with your dollars in their tip jars! Proceeds go directly to the charities. Tickets are $8 for adults (12 and older), $5 for kids (5 and older), and free for those younger than 5. See you there!
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Sounds of the Mountains concert series
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When the
Blue Ridge Music Center
's home on the Parkway is closed for the season, the shows go on the road. The Music Center and
Yadkin Arts Council
are presenting an exciting lineup of blues, bluegrass, country, folk, and Americana artists for the annual
Sounds of the Mountains
concert series in January. Tickets are on sale now!
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NEW SHOW ANNOUNCED!
8 p.m., Friday, January 11; $17-$35
Since its formation more than 36 years ago, the award-winning
Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music.
Tickets
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7:30 p.m., January 12; $25
Kelsey Waldon's unique and authentic style of American roots music blends country, bluegrass, soul, rhythm and blues, and a bit of rock 'n' roll. Her contemporary, yet retro, country sound has been compared to that of country music legends Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.
Tickets
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7:30 p.m., January 19; $25
Fashioning their own take on roots music and indie folk, Front Country has forged a sound bent on merging the musical past with the future. The result lies somewhere between indie folk and Americana.
Tickets
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7:30 p.m., January 26; $25
The Fireside Collective's high energy brand of bluegrass, newgrass, and progressive folk music garnered the group a nomination for the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award for Best Emerging Artist/Band.
Tickets
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The Foundation proudly supports programming at the Blue Ridge Music Center to preserve the cultural and musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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We’re thrilled to announce our Kids in Parks program reached a big milestone: one million adventures! Since its start in 2009, one million hiking, canoeing, disc golf, and geocaching adventures have been completed by kids and families, engaging them in the joys of the outdoors and improving their health.
If you’d like to join the thousands enjoying our TRACK Trails across the country,
click here
!
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As the primary fundraiser and 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
. Learn more about joining our Community of Stewards at
brpfoundation.org
.
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