Blue Ridge Parkway

FRIENDS of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc.

A National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway approved
partner organization dedicated to preserve, promote
and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure,
for future generations.

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FRIENDS Builds Bridges at the Music Center

Not to be confused with the Crooked Road, there is another “music trail” not far off the Blue Ridge Parkway – it is the six miles of footpath through meadow and woods constructed by the Fisher’s Peak Chapter of FRIENDS.  These dedicated volunteers spent countless hours at the Blue Ridge Music Center and Museum (MP 213 south of Galax, Va.) creating a trail system for hikers and music fans alike.

The trails of the first two phases of construction are complete but the pleasant ramble through meadow and rich forest could not be made officially available to visitors until two bridges were funded, then constructed.
   
“Once we place the order, we can have the materials on site in six weeks, and the bridges up in a few days,” said Plateau District Manager Rick Baker in late January.  A composite fiberglass material for the bridge would provide a life expectance much greater than even treated lumber, according to Baker.
   
But until early March, it was not certain when or if those bridges would be funded this year, especially in time for the coming season of hikers and music fans who will head to the Galax area with the coming of warmer weather.  With Baker’s encouragement, monies that were granted to the district for trails will be allocated specifically for the two bridges at Fishers Peak.  This is wonderful news for the FRIENDS chapter members, and for all those who will enjoy the fruits of their labor.
   
Future efforts will involve placement of signage along the trails so that day hikers can easily follow the loops and a variety of trail combinations. Eventually, and with the cooperation and oversight of Parkway naturalists, interpretive stations will be in place.  These will seek to connect the natural history of the area with the cultural, particularly with the musical history that the museum depicts in its exhibits and performances.
    
Trails stalwart and master gardener Pete Bramley has the responsibility and the vision for natural landscaping in the park area.  This will involve the Fishers Peak chapter volunteers and is a project towards which FRIENDS members’ contributions can be put to good work.
   
Along the trails, the volunteer team has already constructed several boardwalks.  These cross smaller, protected trout feeder streams or sensitive wetlands where common and threatened wildflowers grow in profusion during the cool mountain summers.

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You can contribute by contacting FRIENDS’ office at 1-800-229-7275 or by mailing a check to Friends, P.O Box 20986, Roanoke, Va. 24018.  Please note on your check that the contribution is for the Blue Ridge Music Center trail project.

-story and photo by Fred First