A Big Stride in Protecting Cone Manor Your gifts are providing an essential form of protection at Cone Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Thanks to you, crews are now installing a new fire suppression system designed to protect the 23-room Colonial Revival-style manor built in the early 1900s. The before and after photos of the exterior work at the home, like fresh paint and new woodwork, are thrilling, but this less noticeable project is very important to protecting the centerpiece of the estate. Your support is greatly appreciated!  Give to continue the progress at Cone Manor Also! Be sure to save the date for the Denim Ball on Thursday, August 22. A special announcement about the benefit event is coming soon.

“My boys and I love the Blue Ridge Parkway for its beauty - the wonderful hikes ranging from breathtaking mountain-top vistas and magnificent waterfalls to peaceful, pastoral walks around ponds or through fields - and for the effect on the psyche. Whether in my vehicle or on a trail, I always feel at peace with the world when I'm on the Parkway. I donate in general so the Blue Ridge Parkway will be here for future generations to enjoy, and specifically, to help return Doughton Park to its former glory.” -Catherine Mauro, donor, with her dogs Bosco and Rudy   Each gift is personal.   Click here to tell us why you support the Parkway.

In 2018, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 11,421,200 visitors, making it the most visited national park . But Golden Gate National Recreation Area was the most visited national park unit . Confused? Click here to learn the difference between a park and a park unit.

Puckett Cabin, milepost 189. Photo by Vicki Dameron

Road to the Past In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Orlean Hawks Puckett, whose cabin still stands at milepost 189 in Virginia. During her 49 years as a midwife, Puckett is said to have delivered more than 1,000 babies and became known throughout the area for her compassion and skill. She was recognized posthumously as a Changemaker by the Library of Virginia. Learn more about Orlean Puckett

Create a Facebook Fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Parkway You can make a wonderful occasion even more special by hosting a Facebook Fundraiser. For your next birthday, anniversary, or any event, you can create an easy online fundraiser to show your support for the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can designate gifts for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, set a goal, and let your friends know you’d like them to celebrate your special day by giving. It's even better than cake! Get started

Mill Towns and the Birth of American Music Conference Thursday, April 11, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Conference: $130 Lunch and keynote address: $50 WinMock at Kinderton , Bermuda Run, N.C. Concert 7:30 p.m.; $10, Winston-Salem, N.C. The Blue Ridge Music Center is hosting a one-day conference and concert to spread an appreciation and understanding of musical influences and traditions that were born out of mill and factory towns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Migrants to the cities and towns included musicians who encountered new rhythms, techniques, and musical styles, which they assimilated into their own repertoires. During the same period of time, the business of music was taking off with the burgeoning recording industry, the growth of the reach of radio, and an economic incentive for writing original songs. The combination of these forces led to the creation of new musical forms.  Traditional and roots music professionals with expertise in early American folk and traditional music history will lead sessions. New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash, who wrote The Last Ballad , will be the keynote speaker and Patrick Huber, author of Linthead Stomp , will also be presenting.  Learn more and purchase tickets

The Foundation proudly supports Blue Ridge Music Center programming to preserve the cultural and musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Events

Linville Falls Campground Cleanup 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 21 Milepost 316 in Newland, N.C. Do you love Linville Falls Campground? Come help the National Park Service spruce it up in preparation for the busy camping season. Volunteers and Parkway staff will be working from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 21. To sign up, e-mail BLRI_Volunteers@nps.gov by March 18. Get details

Take a Walk in a Park Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 30 $17 adults, $8 kids, $45 family admission Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, N.C. Meet up with the Kids in Parks team to celebrate National Take a Walk in a Park Day at Chimney Rock State Park. This afternoon of family-friendly outdoor fun includes several guided hikes. A portion of Chimney Rock's proceeds for the day will be donated to the Kids in Parks program. We hope to see you there! Learn more

"Craggy Pinnacle Stone Work" by Robert Stephens is a final selection in the 16th annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition

Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Open through June 1 Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone, N.C. Each year, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is proud to sponsor the Parkway category of the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition . The finalists’ photos are on display now, so be sure to visit the exhibit this spring. You can even vote for the People’s Choice Award through March 22. Get details

Your Support Matters!

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 . Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌