The National Park Service is excited to announce Project Parkway – Campground Cleanup on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The goal of this first-of-its-kind event is to rally Parkway lovers, volunteers, partners and staff to prepare all 8 of the Parkway’s campgrounds for the May opening during a single morning of dedicated service in celebration of National Park Week. This single-day volunteer project will help complete much needed work across the park and is ideal for people interested in learning more about the park through hands-on service.

Each location will provide tasks appropriate for a wide range of ages including students, scout troops, civic organizations, visitors, families, and retirees. Projects may be anything from leaf blowing and limb clearing to painting or basic trail work. Volunteer projects will begin at 9 a.m. and last until noon at most locations. Each project will be followed by lunch with staff provided by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“It is support in the form of partnerships and donations of time by those who love the Parkway that make projects like this one possible,” said park Superintendent J.D. Lee. “ We are excited to meet new Parkway enthusiasts and proud to have the support of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation on this special day.” Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, will be provided on site.

If you are interested in participating please contact Project Manager, Natalie Lester, at 828-348-3419 or BLRI_Volunteers@nps.gov by April 6, 2018.

About National Park Week:

National Park Week is an annual celebration of National Parks held each year in late April. National Park Week is dedicated to raising awareness of our National Parks and the many opportunities for exploration, service and learning that are provided in our nation’s 417 National Park Units. To learn more about National Park Week Opportunities in your area visit: www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm .

About the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary nonprofit fundraising partner, 501(c)(3), of the Blue Ridge Parkway, helping ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment now and for future generations. Since its inception in 1997, the nonprofit has worked with donors to invest in critical projects along the scenic road. For more information, visit www.brpfoundation.org.

About Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the primary partner in volunteerism of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For 30 years, FRIENDS has worked with volunteers and community groups to help maintain Parkway assets. Today, volunteers work on nearly all facets of the Blue Ridge Parkway to preserve the intricate natural environment and visitor amenities along the Parkway. www.friendsbrp.org

About the Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the north with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. The route travels the crests, ridges, and valleys of five major mountain ranges, encompassing several geographic and vegetative zones ranging from 600 to more than 6,000 feet above sea level. It provides visitors with many varied vistas of scenic Appalachian landscapes ranging from forested ridgetops and mountain slopes to rural farm lands and urban areas. The parkway offers a “ride-a-while, stop-a-while” experience that includes scenic pullouts, recreation areas, historic sites, and visitor contact stations. It is known nationally and internationally for its designed landscape as a scenic motorway. www.nps.gov/blri