The money will go to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s new Trails and Views Forever Fund, which will repair trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, overlooks and other amenities on the Parkway. 

“The National Park Service is facing an astonishing price tag to repair all aspects of the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “Sadly, because there are so many needs, the care of Parkway trails, campgrounds and overlooks is falling to the bottom of the long list of priorities.”

Working with National Park Service staff, the Foundation will develop a comprehensive plan to address critical needs first, and then implement a maintenance and restoration plan to improve the condition of trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, major vistas and overlooks. The plan will include a volunteer component, utilizing youth conservation groups, community members and additional seasonal work crews. 

The goal is to eventually raise $3 million for work to be completed over the next five to eight years. The Trails and Views Forever Fund will build upon the Foundation’s past work to protect recreational spaces on the Parkway, including the clearing of vegetation at roadside overlooks, the construction of boardwalks and restrooms at Graveyard Fields, and trail repairs at Craggy Gardens, Price Lake and Peaks of Otter. 

Donors who give $1,000 or more will receive a limited edition patch and their names will be listed on acknowledgement signs at locations on the Parkway. Donate at www.brpfoundation.org/trailsandviews.