Superintendent’s
MESSAGE As I settle into the privilege of serving my second full season as the Parkway superintendent, I’m reminded of a number of things that apply to this special place and to all parks and public lands. I know they are true because I see them on a regular basis when I’m out interacting with visitors, park staff, or spending time in the many communities throughout the Parkway corridor. These may be things that you have realized or thought of yourself, or they may be new ideas, especially if you are new to the Parkway. First, I’m reminded of the incredible opportunities the Parkway offers all of us to explore, to recreate, and in many ways, to find renewal. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is the occasions I have to talk to visitors. And during the course of these last two years, at overlooks, on trails, or at music concerts, I have met visitors who have a destination in mind. They know before they leave home which trail, which district, which campground, or which community they are going to in order to find that renewal or recreational opportunity. On the other hand, many visitors I engage with discover that place after they arrive. These are the true “explorers” of the Parkway who happen upon a view or a an overlook that has just the right elements – maybe the sun’s shadow, a rainbow, the crisp and clear atmosphere, or the opportunity to see a soaring hawk or a new born fawn. This kind of renewal takes time and some attention to detail, so don’t be in a hurry when traveling the Parkway. Secondly, I have long been aware of the unsurpassed value of the educational opportunities that the Parkway offers to visitors of all ages – the students – who do another kind of exploration among the cultural and natural history stories that are protected within the Parkway corridor. These educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom may happen during a conversation with one of our staff members, participating in a demonstration of traditional crafts at a place like Brinegar Cabin, or cuddling up at the evening campfire with an Appalachian novel purchased in one of our visitor centers. Education and learning are an exciting and sometimes fun by-product of your visit to places like the Parkway. Finally, I am thrilled to be a part of protecting parks and doing my part in conveying the value and importance of such places to our nation and to the generations yet born. I think of the words of Margaret Murie that “surely America is not so poor that it can’t afford such places as national parks, nor so rich that it can do with-
out them.” The value of this National Park site was brought home to us in a vivid way this past year when we found that the U.S. Mint would include the Blue Ridge Parkway on its 2015 America the Beautiful quarter series. The graceful curves, the beautiful stonework, distant vistas, and a representative example of the flora and fauna of the region have come together in a beautifully designed coin that will be introduced and put into circulation this year. These are just three of the many things I think about and am reminded of as I spend time on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I trust that each one of you will have a safe and leisurely visit, as we all find ways to celebrate and appreciate “America’s Favorite Drive.”
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Mark H. Woods, Superintendent Blue Ridge Parkway
SYMBOL
The National Park Service arrowhead was authorized as the agency’s official emblem by the Secretary of the Interior on July 20, 1951. Created in 1949 by Aubrey V. Neasham, a Park Service historian, the insignia was intended to represent several aspects of the mission of the National Park Service: Its shape and earth-brown background embody our nation’s cultural heritage exemplified in the parks by archaeology and history. The bison and the sequoia tree (symbols from the first two national parks--Yellowstone and Sequoia) represent the diverse natural world of plants and animals included within the system. The snowcapped mountain and glacier portrayed on the insignia’s horizon and the white of the water in its right foreground signify the all-important values of scenery and recreation. The symbol first appeared on a park road sign, then a ranger uniform in September 1952. The icon was registered as an official emblem of the Park Service on February 9, 1965, by the United States Patent Office.
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