FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the official Friends group and authorized non-profit for the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway. Friends' mission is to preserve, promote and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway through fundraising, volunteerism, membership services and significant programs. When you join FRIENDS and support its programs through donations, you make a significant difference in preserving the parks for future generations. Click About Us to read more about FRIENDS Programs and Awards.
Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate is here!
Click here for more information on the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate. You must ACT NOW - the deadline for submitting an application is DECEMBER 31, 2008!!!!
North Carolina State Employees Combined Campaign (NCSECC)
Remember code 3608
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is asking North Carolina state employees and retirees to remember the Parkway when they select their charity of choice through the North Carolina State Employees Combined Campaign (NCSECC). This campaign allows North Carolina state employees and retirees to designate those areas they want to help with their charitable contributions.
Virginia State Employees Can Make a Difference on the Parkway
Remember code 3535
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is asking 23,000 Virginia state employees to "Remember the Parkway" when they select their charity of choice through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) which begins November 1. This campaign will run for two months, allowing Virginia state employees to designate where they want their contributions to go starting January 1.
Parkway Updates!
Blue Ridge Parkway Offers Craft and Story Telling Workshops. Click here for more information.
FRIENDS & Blue Ridge Parkway Announce the Official 469-Mile Award Click here for more information.
FRIENDS has NEW merchandise in the Online Store.
- New FRIENDS Water Bottle -- just $6.00!
- Hike the Parkway with Tim Pegram in his new book: The Blue Ridge Parkway by Foot: A Park Ranger's Memoir
- FRIENDS Lapel Pin (just $10) plus shipping.
FRIENDS has REDUCED merchandise for sale in the Online Store.
FRIENDS Logo Front License Plate reduced from $15 to $8.99!
Blue Ridge Parkway & FRIENDS 2008 Photo Contest!
A special thank you to everyone who submitted beautiful photographs this year.
FRIENDS Launches Membership Campaign for 2008-2009!
Do you love the Blue Ridge Parkway? Do you want your friends to support America’s Favorite Scenic Drive? We can work with you to increase FRIENDS membership. Our goal is 10,000 members by 2010 – the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary. YOU as a FRIENDS Member can inspire 25 new members to join!
Read Bill Hackworth's letter to his friends that inspired 25 new FRIENDS members,
Bill’s letter. Then, email the FRIENDS office at
staff@friendsbrp.org, and we’ll help you mail your own letter to your closest friends that love the Blue Ridge Parkway. We want to help you tell your friends about FRIENDS and how they can preserve, promote and enhance the Parkway for future generations.
Dear Friend,
I believe the Blue Ridge Parkway is in grave danger. After reading a New York Times editorial on the funding shortages and politicizing of the National Park Service, I want you to be aware of the crisis brewing for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
(read more)
HOW CAN I HELP?
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- FRIENDS needs volunteers to staff the information desk at the new Destination Center opening in Asheville. Please click on Volunteer for more information.
- Fund Parkway Projects!
- Donate to Save Parkway Views!
- Join a FRIENDS Chapter!
- FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway chapters depend on their volunteers to complete their projects and to maintain the Parkway. These chapters collect donations from donation boxes, sell FRIENDS' merchandise, provide volunteers to the speakers bureau and music center, maintain trails, fundraise, build bridges, and participate in viewshed projects. To become a volunteer, contact FRIENDS at 1-800-228-PARK (7275) if you wish to provide the leadership to assist with a chapter or begin one in your area. Click here for more information.
Remember...
Your gift to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway qualifies you for a full tax deduction for charitable contributions as defined under federal law 501(c)(3). In additon to membership, there are many ways to contribute financially to FRIENDS: Memorials, In-Kind and Special Gifts, Employer Matching Gifts, Gift Memberships, Bequests by Will and Gifts of Stock.
Please Remember FRIENDS When You Make Your State Contribution!
