Friends of the Blue Ridge created a network of chapters to be the voice of their local communities. Chapters ensure the needs of their area are met. This network is the backbone of our organization.
Humpback Rocks Chapter
The Humpback Rocks Chapter has volunteers from neighboring communities of Waynesboro, Montebello, Staunton, and Nelson County, Virginia.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Friends of the Blue Ridge-Humpback Rocks Chapter
Community Impact:
- Funding and volunteer support for the installation of a natural playground at the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum in Waynesboro, VA to promote outdoor play.
- Funding for a custom mural at the natural playground by artist Chicho Lorenzo that incorporated art submissions from children in the community.
- In 2023, the chapter plans to reinstate Youth Outdoor programming with summer youth hikes and camp programming.
Peaks of Otter Chapter
The Peaks of Otter Chapter is currently seeking additional members from the neighboring communities of Lexington, Lynchburg, Buena Vista, Bedford, and Buchanan.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Peaks of Otter Friends of the Blue Ridge
Community Impact:
- We have been busy working in partnership with the Claytor Nature Center in Bedford, VA, primarily in their natural playground called Otter Space.
- We have funded a new pavilion in the playground, as well as new educational trail signs on the ABC Trail.
- We are cleaning, building, and installing playground elements including a new mud kitchen built by a chapter volunteer.
Roanoke Valley Chapter
The Roanoke Valley Chapter has volunteers from the neighboring communities of Roanoke, Salem, Bent Mountain, and Vinton.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Friends of the Blue Ridge, Roanoke Valley Chapter
Community Impact:
- We enhanced our partnership with Roanoke County’s Explore Park by funding a $50,000 inclusive playground, as well as outdoor classrooms and an upgraded sound system. We also hosted three community summer concerts.
- We sponsored a music stage at the Folklife Festival in Ferrum.
- We purchased five custom bike racks to install at locations around the Roanoke Valley area.
- We volunteered at the Blue Ridge Marathon, Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and USA Cycling.
New River Valley Chapter
Our newest chapter is the New River Valley Chapter with volunteers from neighboring communities of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and Montgomery County.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Community Impact:
- We helped plant a pollinator garden at Alta Mons in Shawsville, VA.
- We had a workday at Falls Ridge Nature Preserve in Blacksburg installing water bars with staff from the Nature Conservancy.
- We are looking forward to tackling more in our first full year.
Rocky Knob Chapter
The Rocky Knob Chapter has volunteers from the neighboring communities of Floyd, Fancy Gap, Meadows of Dan, and Woolwine.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Community Impact:
- We placed hanging flower baskets in front of downtown businesses in Fancy Gap and Meadows of Dan to brighten up the street and help identify stores for visitors.
- We improved the historic White House at the bottom of Rock Castle Gorge by painting the exterior of the house and outhouse and replacing the tub in the springhouse.
- We provided funds to restore another historic building – the Roberson Mill in Floyd – and plan to have workdays.
Fisher Peak Chapter
The Fisher Peak Chapter has volunteers from the neighboring communities of Galax and Hillsville, VA.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Fisher Peak Chapter Friends of the BR
Community Impact:
- In Hillsville, we helped create the Carroll County Creative Arts Center through volunteer efforts and funding for programs such as the Emerging Artist Awards.
- We sponsored a tree on the Lawn of Hope as a way to thank and recognize chapter volunteers.
- We provided funding for fencing around “Britni’s Discovery Park,” an inclusive playground for special needs children, at the Hillsville Wellness Center. Volunteers also spread mulch as needed.
- We improved the grounds at the historic Sidna Allen Home in Hillsville with a pollinator garden, seeded the front slope, and are in the process of building a gazebo to match the architecture of the home.
- We painted seven bridges along Hillsville’s Beaver Dam Creek Trail and restored trail treads damaged after flooding.
- We managed VFW parking for the Labor Day Flea Market and partnered with the local Rotary Club to work in the kitchen. The chapter also worked with the Rotary Club to provide commercial kitchen equipment and better event signage.
- We established a Youth Outdoor partnership with Camp Dickenson.
- We’re funding and volunteering for a Girl Scout’s Gold Project that will install six planter boxes for a Hillsville Historic Garden.
Northern Highlands Chapter
The Northern Highlands Chapter has volunteers from neighboring communities of Sparta, Wilkesboro, Laurel Springs, and West Jefferson.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Friends of the Blue Ridge Northern Highlands Chapter
Community Impact:
- Working with ASTA (Alleghany Sparta Trail Association) we plan to produce a trail guide for the area and build a new trail.
- We’re partnering with the Town of Sparta to raise funds for a skate park to replace a deteriorated one. This will be a major effort but an important feature for the youth of the community.
High Country Chapter
The High Country Chapter has volunteers from the neighboring communities of Boone, Linville, and Blowing Rock, NC.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Friends of the Blue Ridge High Country Chapter
Community Impact:
- We hosted opportunities to educate children about trail conservation, nature preservation, and volunteering at Bass Lake through nature walks and scavenger hunts.
- We’re extending our impact area to include Blowing Rock, Boone, and West Jefferson, N.C.
Crabtree Falls Chapter
The Crabtree Falls Chapter has volunteers from neighboring communities of Linville Falls, Spruce Pine, Marion, Morganton, and Woodlawn.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Asheville Chapter
The Asheville Chapter has volunteers from neighboring communities of Old Fort, Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Asheville, and Hendersonville.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org
Facebook: Friends of the Blue Ridge, Asheville Chapter
Community Impact:
- In April we worked with Buncombe County Parks and Recreation’s Lake Julian Earth Day Clean-up.
- In May we volunteered at the popular Assault on Mount Mitchell bike race.
- Our plans for 2023 include an expanded partnership with Buncombe County Parks for trail maintenance, trash pickups at river access points, and further improvements at Lake Julian.
Balsam Chapter
The Balsam Chapter has volunteers from neighboring communities of Waynesville.
E-mail: staff@friendsbrp.org