By Houck Medford • Executive Director, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Winding for almost 500 miles along the crest of six Appalachian mountain ranges in North Carolina and Virginia, traversing four national forests and six major rivers, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in the world. But the Parkway is more than a remarkable passageway through natural grandeur. It is a visionary promise of conservation, protecting more than 81,000 acres of rare plants and wildlife, unequalled scenic beauty, vibrant Appalachian traditions and historically rich cultures.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, lying lightly upon the land, is renowned for its scenic vistas. But the Parkway is much more than a journey through a conceived landscape. When Stanley W. Abbott took the reins as the first Parkway superintendent and resident landscape architect in 1933, the Blue Ridge had been decimated by heavy deforestation and harsh cultivation practices.

“Few of the show places of the parkway environs remain in an unspoiled natural state,” he said. “The predominance of cut-over forests, cultivated farm land, and the commercialization of the few protected scenic types have greatly reduced the recreation values. There is a total absence of natural lakes and the muddy condition of the streams and rivers in all seasons due to erosion has nullified the outstanding beauty of these water features. This general condition emphasizes the need for public purchase and restoration if this area is to regain its one time attractiveness.”

The Blue Ridge Parkway took 50 years to build, and it became the largest landscape architecture construction project in the history of the United States. Many of us have grown up near the remarkable Blue Ridge Parkway and do not realize the sacrifice, planning, and vision that made it possible for us to enjoy it so casually today. The Parkway emerged from a convergence of situational factors — the growth of the national park system, the need to employ people during the Great Depression, and the assertiveness of the North Carolina and Virginia business leaders — but it was through creative, careful, and visionary planning that is has become a national treasure.

More than 20 million people visit the Blue Ridge Parkway each year. But for those of us who are fortunate enough to live near the Parkway, we have a special opportunity to champion this extraordinary environment that connects the spirits of countless people and nature’s glory through a twisting ribbon of mountain road. We can either take the Parkway for granted, or we can act to assure that the traditions, beauty, vision, and promise of the Blue Ridge Parkway are nurtured today and preserved for future generations.

There are many ways to enjoy the Parkway and to support it. Proceeds from the North Carolina specialty license plate provide substantial support to the Parkway each year. And recently, the North Carolina legislature approved a Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle specialty license plate that is expected to generate additional support for the Parkway. Other than annual support from hundreds of donors, the Foundation also has a growing endowment fueled by individuals who have left the Parkway Foundation in their estate plans or are using income funds which guarantee a high rate of return until the time of their death.

Whether you enjoy exploring a mountain hiking trail, photographing waterfalls, or studying the history of the Appalachians, you will find plenty to keep you pre-occupied with the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For those who enjoy special events, a likeness of President Franklin D. Roosevelt will be a special guest along with Dr. Harley Jolley at a 75th anniversary celebration of the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and the only one in North Carolina. This event will occur at the historic Claxton Farm near Weaverville, N.C., on June 19. The celebration is a ticketed event with proceeds supporting the Parkway. The public is encouraged to attend.

The event is hosted by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in recognition of the contribution of the CCC to the Blue Ridge Parkway and North Carolina, as well as honoring the scholarship and personal contributions of Dr. Jolley, noted Parkway historian, author, and professor emeritus of history at Mars Hill College. More details can be found on the Foundation Web site www.BRPFoundation.org.

When I retired from my professional practice in 1997, my wife and I made a conscious decision to put our efforts toward a worthy goal — assuring that the Blue Ridge Parkway not only exists into the future, but continues as a thriving park that is historically significant, enjoyable to visit and spend time in, and ecologically healthy. I soon encountered many others with the same aspirations and we have continued to work together continuously building a community of those who want to invest in the future of the Parkway. We always need more people who care and want to be involved.

This is no ordinary road. With grand mountains on either side, vibrant communities along the way, and stunning landscapes from beginning to end, it is a journey that we never tire of taking. No matter where you decide to merge into the experience, or at what milepost you choose to leave it, there is timeless magic in every mile. For generations people have come to the Parkway alone or with their loved ones and the Parkway never disappoints. Those who journeyed here years ago as children return now with their children and grandchildren. Our gift to the future can be vigilant stewardship of this wonderful national park. You are invited to share that journey.