ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013
Engaging Parkway Communities
1
y a w a e v o m o t h t u o e y c a d p n s a n n e e e r r d g l i h o t c n i g n i d r n i a p e c Ins a p s r e b y c m fro 2
President’s Message Dear FRIENDS, As we begin our celebration of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 25th Anniversary, it is important to remember why our organization exists – the Blue Ridge Parkway. This national treasure is the reason why over 16 million visitors come every year. You, as a member of FRIENDS, love the Parkway and support our mission to protect, preserve and enhance the Parkway for future generations. The Parkway is the reason why many local industries exist, with the Parkway having a $2.3 billion impact on local economies. It is an opportunity to appreciate the four National Forests through which it crosses; it is a chance for recreation with over 369 miles of trails, 9 campgrounds, 13 picnic areas, and 14 visitor centers; it is an opportunity to learn and discover something from over 1,000 demonstrations, special events, and programs; it is a reservoir of special natural and cultural resources that we must protect for future generations; it is a place where memories are made and futures are planned out. But the sad truth is that our beloved Blue Ridge Parkway is in danger of becoming just a memory, and not part of our future. You have read and are well aware of the effects that the Sequester has had on our national parks, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway. If not, let me inform you of the devastating effect it is having and will continue to have on our Park for years to come. The park’s budget of a little over $15 million means that after a $784,000 reduction from sequestration cuts, the net will be down to about $14.7 million. That is about a 5% cut for the entire fiscal year, but since the cut did not begin until half the year had passed, the effect is more like a 10% reduction on the balance of the year’s funding. This means the 16 million visitors that are expected to visit the Parkway this year will experience reduced facilities at picnic areas, visitor centers and campgrounds, fewer ranger-led walks and talks, and possibly a shorter season. Despite the cuts, the Parkway will have just as many visitors, but a smaller staff will still need to maintain just as many assets. This has been the trend, however, for many years. The Parkway has lost more than 25% of its staff over the last ten years, and the Sequester is another layer on top of that. Where does the Parkway look for help? FRIENDS is responding to this call for relief by recruiting more volunteers for projects, assisting Parkway staff with volunteer training and engaging Parkway communities in volunteerism. If it wasn’t obvious already, the time is now for the Parkway’s support groups, friends and its communities to take ownership of our park. FRIENDS’ members are some of the most committed ambassadors for our Parkway, but we encourage you to do more during this pressing time. Informing your communities, organizations and peers of the need and ways they can support the Blue Ridge Parkway is a small step. This is the beginning of a great opportunity to join the struggle for the future of our parks. The time is now, and it is folks like you that will provide an opportunity for future generations to discover and appreciate the beauty of the Parkway just as we have. Don’t let the Parkway be just a memory. Thank you for your loyalty and support of FRIENDS!
Ken Randolph, Board President
3
The work of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is made possible in part by the generous donations of American Electric Power Foundation.
4
Friends Mission The mission of FRIENDS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY is to help preserve, promote and enhance the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and cultural distinctiveness of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its corridor, including surrounding scenic landscape, thereby preserving this national treasure for future generations.
FRIENDS OPERATING PHILOSOPHY To accomplish our mission, • We champion Parkway interests: Working with the National Park Service, we champion the Blue Ridge Parkway to the general public, Congress, and other government entities. We coordinate efforts as we forge alliances with agencies, foundations and non profits to preserve and protect the Blue Ridge Parkway. • We provide services to the Blue Ridge Parkway visitor: We assist the National Park Service in providing information, programs and services to aid visitors to America’s most visited national park. • We enhance communities: We promote conservation and environmental education. We promote an ownership, support and appreciation of Park mission and resource values. We work toward the integration of economic development with environmental protection at the local, state and national levels. • We educate: Our programs and services foster an understanding of the importance of protecting and preserving the Blue Ridge Parkway. • We, as a membership organization, promote volunteerism: We recruit and help supply a corps of volunteers for designated Parkway and FRIENDS projects. • We practice responsible stewardship: By using member dues and other gifts effectively, we bring quality programs and services to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Parkway. • We raise funds and execute projects: We organize projects and raise funds to protect, preserve and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway and its scenic corridor. • We are a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3): We support and work with the National Park Service as stewards of Park resources. We support the National Park Service as an independent organization.
The mission of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is supported in part by the generous donations of: The Dickson Foundation The Newbern Foundation The Bruce Ford Brown Charitable Trust The Wallenborn Family
5
3 6
1988-1989
1990
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
FRIENDS’ membership totaled 48 members
1992
1991
Created Grover Groundhog, FRIENDS’ Parkway Environmental Mascot.
Published the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost, containing visitor information for Parkway travelers. Supported funding for a traveling exhibit entitled “Threading a Parkway through the Blue Ridge.” The exhibit told the magnificent story of the Parkway's depression-era creation and the history of its early years.
1993 National toll-free info line to provide info to members
1998
Launched Parkway Environmental Awards Program
Established FRIENDS’ Save Parkway Views Program – planting trees to re-establish ecological habitat for wildlife and native flora between Parkway and development.
2000 Funded repair and refurbishment of the Kelley School roof, a historic two-room schoolhouse on the Parkway.
Established FRIENDS’ membership annual publication, High Vistas.
2001
Established environmental education program – The Blue Ridge Experience
Asked to administer the Volunteer in Parks and Adopt-A Trail programs, working in partnership with the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway.
2002
National Park Service authorized planting trees on Blue Ridge Parkway as part of the Save Parkway Views program.
Instituted FRIENDS’ first small grants program. Carolina Mountain Club received the first award to purchase equipment for their outstanding maintenance work on Parkway trails.
2003
FRIENDS’ first Chapter was established in Galax, Virginia.
Developed the first innovative Blue Ridge Parkway volunteer database and online application program
2004
2005
Scenic America designated 28 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke County as a “Last Chance Landscape.”
Awarded the Founder’s Award by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.
Award from Scenic Virginia for the Best Preservation of a Scenic Viewshed along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2007
2006 Established the first Youth Volunteers in Parks Program.
Established the Future Stewards program
2008
2009
FRIENDS’ Fisher Peak Chapter completed the Blue Ridge Music Center 4.5 mile hiking trail.
Established FRIENDS’ Alternative Break Program.
2010
2011 Established the Adopt-An-Overlook program
Celebrated the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary through volunteerism and special events.
2013
2012
Today, FRIENDS is one of the largest friends groups nationally with approximately 10,000 members and over 2,000 volunteers
Established the Adopt-A- Cemetary program
7
Trails Forever Program
Functional Expenses
$41,833 • Adopt-A-Trail • Adopt-An-Overlook • Adopt-A-Cemetery • Endangered Species Protection • Preservation of Parkway Assets • Right-of-Way Sign Installation
Trails Forever is a multifaceted program that builds on the existing strengths of the Adopt-A-Trail and Adopt-AnOverlook programs utilizing volunteers. Our goal is to ensure that the Blue Ridge Parkway’s trails and overlooks are top quality for Parkway visitors. Volunteers are essential to trail and overlook maintenance, enhancement, construction and patrol.
FRIENDS’ Chapters are the frontline of the Trails Forever Program. Chapter leaders are experienced workers who encourage volunteerism, raise the necessary funds for the projects and plan and implement the projects and programs requested by the Park Service.
The Trails Forever Program is made possible in part by the generous donations of The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust.
8
Adopt-A-Trail Program
73%
of trails have been adopted (up from 69%.) As of June 30, 2013, 101 of 139 trails have been adopted.
Accomplishments • Maintained 1,233,807 feet (233.68 miles) of trail. 75,413 more feet of trail were maintained in 2012-2013 than in the previous year. • Adopted 101 out of 139 (73%) trails, an increase of 11 trails from the previous year. Trails were adopted by various individuals, couples, families, clubs and organizations. • Secured adoptions for five out of six trails in the Roanoke Valley section. • Recognized the Carolina Mountain Club with a check of $2,558 for supplying 233 volunteers and 8,435 service hours to the Trails Forever Program. The donation was used to purchase needed maintenance equipment for the trail crews.
350+
miles of trails in Virginia and North Carolina are entrusted to FRIENDS for care and maintenance
• Cleared and made ongoing trail improvements to the Blue Ridge Music Center trails • Secured and monitored adoptions for seven out of eight trails in the FRIENDS Rocky Knob Chapter service area. • Maintained and monitored 100% of all trails in the FRIENDS Fisher Peak Chapter service area. The Fisher Peak Chapter regularly monitors and provides maintenance service to the trails at the Blue Ridge Music Center. 9
Adopt-An-Overlook Program
269
Accomplishments
190
overlooks have been adopted. In 2011, FRIENDS was asked to spearhead the Adopt-An-Overlook Program, which entails maintaining all 269 Parkway overlooks. Two years later, 190 overlooks have been adopted by individuals, groups and organizations.
Chapter breakdown of adopted overlooks
11 of 12
91 %
10 of 11
100 100 %
%
10 of 10
2 of 2
Fisher Peak
%
Rocky Knob
92
90 %
19 of 21
94
94
31 of 33
31 of 33
%
%
88 %
22 of 25
NO TRAILS
Asheville
App. St. University
High Country
Northern Highlands
Bent Mountain
Roanoke Valley
Friends coordinated chain saw and safety training with the National Park Service to certify trail and overlook adopters. Over 15 volunteers were trained and certified. Each volunteer dedicated eleven hours to be chain saw certified, totaling 165 hours of service.
10
overlooks are managed and maintained by the Blue Ridge Parkway. At this time, the Parkway is only able to perform approximately 10% of the needed maintenance and repair on overlooks, and the backlog of identified overlook maintenance projects increases every year. Accordingly, the purposes of the AdoptAn-Overlook program include: • To decrease the backlog of overlook maintenance needs. • To improve the function and appearance of overlooks for visitor enjoyment, releasing Park Service maintenance employees to accomplish other tasks requiring higher skills. • To develop community partnerships that instill a sense of pride in public ownership of the Parkway. • To expand the National Park Service presence on the Parkway and its overlooks and trails.
By diligently maintaining the overlooks, volunteers stand as one of their most important advocates and protectors. Without their vigilant attention, the overlooks would soon be overrun with unsightly litter and dangerous debris. Volunteers are the overlooks’ eyes and ears; the Blue Ridge Parkway experience wouldn’t be the same without them!
Adopt-A-Cemetery Program New for 2012-2013 is the Adopt-ACemetery Project! This new “adoption” program is a great addition to FRIENDS’ responsibilities. The National Park Service – Blue Ridge Parkway requested volunteer assistance with maintaining approximately 70 cemeteries located within the park and with raising funds to purchase lawn care equipment, primarily weedeaters and tree loppers. This project will go beyond maintenance to include collecting data on each headstone and creating a cemetery database.
Accomplishments • Piloted the program using students from Notre Dame University to develop a basic Adopt-A-Cemetery Procedure Manual through the FRIENDS Fisher Peak Chapter. Upon completion of the draft manual the manual was provided to Steven Kidd for review and recommendations. The piloted session involved 12 volunteers, 6 of whom were youths. The volunteers amassed a total of 48 hours in service.
70
cemeteries are located along the Parkway.
• The Rocky Knob, Northern Highlands, and Bent Mountain Chapters are all interested in implementing the program in 2013-2014. • The Fisher Peak Chapter cleared the cemeteries where necessary, identified and documented each burial headstone, located each grave using GPS and documented the boundaries. The National Park Service and FRIENDS will use this information to further research and document history along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
11
Endangered Species Protection Since 2001, the Parkway has reported an average of 30 major bear incidents per year. The lack of bear proof trash cans and adequate food storage containers were identified as factors in nearly all of the bear incidents reported during that time. Bears cause between $1,000 and $2,000 in property damage each year in the park—primarily the result of bears breaking into vehicles in order to obtain food and other attractants left inside. The Parkway has had to euthanize several bears due to aggressive behavior as a result of their having easy access to human food and garbage. A major objective of the Parkway’s Black Bear Management Plan is to replace all of the park’s existing trash cans and dumpsters with bear proof containers. Over the past 12 years, the majority of the Parkway’s bear incidents have occurred in and around the Mount Pisgah Developed Area. In order to reduce the incidence of bears obtaining human food and garbage, and also to improve/ enhance the experience and safety of visitors staying within this campground, the Blue Ridge Parkway is in need of approximately 75 food storage lockers in order to provide food storage facilities for each of the campsites.
12
Accomplishments
FRIENDS’ Asheville Chapter installed
35
bear proof lockers at Pisgah Campground.
26
volunteers, including 12 high school students, installed the lockers. The Chapter purchased a new locker, a donation of
$2500
Preservation of Parkway Assets The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s assets – this treasure’s jewels – include:
9 13 91 20 269 350
campgrounds picnic areas
Accomplishments
77
volunteers contributed
590
historical buildings
hours to these projects.
cultural landscapes
• The Peaks of Otter Chapter was involved in the re-pouring of cement at the observation platform on the summit of Sharp Top Mountain. Volunteers joined Park Service officials in carrying approximately 250 40 lb. sacks of concrete mix to the top of Sharp Top. Most of the bags were carried from the bus stop to the shelter at the top by two groups of Student Conservation Association volunteers. They laid about 900 feet of fire hose from the fire truck to pump water to the mixing site. 15 volunteers, including 10 youth, contributed 135 hours to this project.
overlooks miles of trails
• Seven volunteers from the FRIENDS Roanoke Valley Chapter contributed 84 hours to clean up the Peaks of Otter Campground before its Spring 2013 opening. The volunteers strapped on leaf blowers and raked the picnic areas, tent pads and general camping area.
13
• Provided landscaping work at the Blue bars on path to washrooms for a total of Ridge Music Center. The FRIENDS Fisher 17 service hours. Peak Chapter spread mulch and removed invasive vegetation. Five volunteers • Four volunteers from Asheville Chapter installed a split rail fence on campsite 6 contributed 16 hours of volunteer service. of Pisgah Campground for a total of eight • On August 23 and 24, five FRIENDS worked hours. for 27 total hours weeding and spreading mulch on five beds in front of the Visitor • A member of the Roanoke Valley Chapter Steering Committee, Larry Covington, Center. The Asheville Chapter is working to coordinated with Dave Foster, from the adopt the flower beds at the Visitor Center National Park Service, the painting of snow as well as the Headquarters building. gates in the Roanoke Valley service area • The Northern Highlands Chapter between Milepost 100 and 125. Larry contributed 117 volunteer hours to contributed 37 hours to this project. cleaning up Doughton Park as part of their Spring Workday Project, which involved 23 • The Laurel Springs Maintenance Office asked that volunteers repaint the entrance volunteers. signs from surrounding highways to the • Two Asheville Chapter volunteers spent Parkway and work was done on the two 18 hours cleaning mile marker balances, signs at Hwy 18 South, two at Hwy 16, two scrubbing overlook signs free of graffiti, at Hwy 21, and one at Hwy 18 North. Two and cleaning the parkway’s West side signs volunteers from the Northern Highlands from Milepost 364 through Milepost 415. Chapter contributed 96 hours to the Parkway’s entrance signs. • Five Asheville Chapter members worked for 17 hours trimming the foliage in loop • Two volunteers from the Plateau District, “C” and also helped clean the comfort Bob Pace and Libby Wilcox, painted 28 stations and empty the trash cans at Pisgah tables at Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area. Campground. • Two FRIENDS from the Asheville Chapter cleaned all fire pits not occupied by campers in the C and D loops, contributing 18 hours to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several sites that need extensive repair in the D loop were also identified. • Four volunteers from the Asheville Chapter worked on two projects on loop B at Pisgah Campground. The Asheville Chapter controlled erosion by spreading road bond and pea gravel and installed five water
14
Right-of-Way Sign Installation The National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway requested the installation of bilingual signs (Carsonite posts) in overhead utility corridors that inform the contractors and/or utility companies to contact the park before entering park lands and beginning work, including vegetation removal and upgrades to the line. These signs would be placed at the parkway boundary where the Right of Way enters the park. Because the park boundary is not clearly marked, it is difficult to inform a contractor working for a utility company that they have entered National Park Service land. This is extremely important because National Park Service land require that a different set of standards be applied (e.g., no use of herbicides, maintaining a screened buffer from the Parkway motor road, minimal tree removal, etc.). Although it is important to allow maintenance of these Right of Ways, it is also a vital mission for the park to use its best management practices when dealing with these Right of Ways. This project included the investment of $5,140 for the NPS Blue Ridge Parkway to purchase the Carsonite posts and stickers for
all 167 overhead ROWs – Right of Away Signs. FRIENDS Chapters provided these necessary funds in 2012-2013. In 2013-2014 FRIENDS Chapters will recruit volunteers to install throughout the park. Of the 478 rights-ofways that exist in the park, 167 are overhead. The breakout by District is: Ridge 26; Plateau 50; Highlands 50; and Pisgah 41.
The Parkway will provide: • Job Hazard Analysis for the installation of the signs. • Volunteer training on the installation of the signs. • The signs, a post “digger”, and a GPS with the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary installed on it. The work would need to be completed while the motor road is open, as no gate keys will be provided, and while hunting seasons are closed. Volunteers would work in teams of three and would provide their own vehicle and access to each site.
The Friends Chapter will provide: Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including safety vest (high visibility orange/yellow vest), gloves, and safety goggles/glasses.
15
Save Parkway Views Program
Functional Expenses
$17,936 • Viewshed Enhancement Project • Viewshed Assessment Plan
“Viewshed” is a term used to indicate the entire area an individual can see from a given point of the Blue Ridge Parkway – a 360 degree panoramic view. To preserve and protect Parkway views for future generations, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has identified several sites between Mileposts 108 and 136 that are threatened by urban encroachment.
For over 15 years, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has raised funds to implement viewshed tree plantings along the Parkway at numerous locations to buffer views of residential and commercial developments. The community-based plantings involve hundreds of volunteers, businesses and landowners.
The Save Parkway Views Program is made possible in part by the generous donations of the County of Roanoke Virginia.
16
Viewshed Enhancement Project As FRIENDS’ signature program, the viewshed program Save Parkway Views is a national model for working with local communities and developers to enhance the Parkway’s views. FRIENDS’ members serve as community diplomats and raise funds for tree-planting projects that restore ecological buffers between development and the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS’ viewshed program
is planned and implemented by a community, volunteerbased citizens committee. Volunteers of all ages plant trees and seedlings.
In 2013 and 2014, FRIENDS is expanding the program by partnering with local businesses to identify and enhance the ecological buffer in the Roanoke County corridor. FRIENDS has developed this Several businesses have alprogram to new heights, winning ready demonstrated interest awards from the Association in expanding the program to for the Preservation of Virginia save and improve the access Antiquities and from Scenic and quality of Parkway views Virginia for Best Preservation in the County of Roanoke. of a Scenic Viewshed.
17
Viewshed Assessment Plan On April 3, 2013, the Visual Assessment Team, comprised of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway staff, FRIENDS Board members, and local landscape architects, met to evaluate sites along the Parkway, establish a ranking or priority list of sites, determine which sites were deemed most worthy of resource preservation and scenic view revitalization in preparation for the 2013-2014 viewshed plantings organized by FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Members of the Visual Assessment Team included: • Dan Chitwood, Board Member, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway • Tim Boitnott, Landscape Architect, Creative Nursery & Landscapes • Fernando Gracia, Director of Programs & Community Outreach, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway The Visual Assessment Team evaluated several sites in a 24-mile stretch of the Parkway – identified in 2003 as a Last Chance Landscape” by Scenic America.
Accomplishments
5,340
trees have been planted by FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the past 15 years. • Determined Milepost 112.2 as the top priority site for resource preservation and scenic view revitalization in preparation for the 2013-2014 viewshed plantings. • Engaged individuals in community service projects. One High School student from the Roanoke Valley contributed 30 hours of service by removing protective sleeves from trees at milepost 125.5 as part of the Viewshed Enhancement effort, which entails removing the wildlife guards and support stakes so the trees can continue to mature without assistance. • Contributed follow-up care to the viewshed site at milepost 125.5. The Roanoke Valley Chapter has relied on various groups and individuals to help remove the protective sleeves and stakes. The Roanoke Valley Chapter celebrated National Public Lands Day by removing sleeves at Milepost 121 and 125.5. Eight volunteers, including three youth, contributed 48 hours to the project.
18
Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program
Functional Expenses
$1,987,756* • Interpretive & Education Programs • Volunteer Hourly Service • VIP Recognition *$1,887,302 represents 85,244 volunteer hours at the volunteer rate of $22.14/hour.
VIP volunteers are working to ensure that the history and the future of national park areas are preserved for future generations. To our national parks, volunteers are Very Important People! FRIENDS has been a copartner with our park since 2006. At that time we went through the same National Park Service VIP training as park service employees. FRIENDS members and volunteers work alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway staff to preserve and protect the park and to grow the VIP program.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Blue Ridge Parkway! Without Parkway volunteers, campgrounds are closed due to lack of volunteer hosts, and visitor’s experiences are diminished if there are no cultural heritage demonstrations …and the list is endless. FRIENDS’ goal for this program is to ensure the rich cultural heritage experiences of the Blue Ridge Parkway by helping to fund, recruit and train a giving and knowledgeable corps of volunteers through a Parkway-based community chapter network. 19
Educational & Cultural Heritage Demonstrations Funded by Parkway District:
Ridge District • Cultural History Demonstrations & Re-enactors Program • District Special Events for Park Visitors • Honorarium for Sunday Afternoon Traditional Music Program • Volunteers In Parks Recognition Events
Plateau District • Roanoke Mountain Campground Musicians and Performers Program • Mabry Mill & Brinegar Cabin Craft Supplies for Demonstrations • Blue Ridge Music Center Educational Program Support • Volunteers In Parks Recognition Events
Highlands District • Overmountain Victory Tour Reenactment Program • Volunteers In Parks Recognition Event • Youth Volunteer Program Special Events & Supplies
Pisgah District • Parkwide Volunteers In Parks Recognition Event • Student Conservation Intern & Materials
20
VIP’s of the Year Ridge District VIP of the Year – Bill and Linda Taylor Bill and Linda bring tremendous personal knowledge to create a rich, in depth, quality experience for each visitor to Johnson Farm. When there were funding cutbacks in the interpretative operations this season, their support allowed the program to continue. They provided weekday staffing to offer these services to visitors when the farm would otherwise remain closed. They have also provided farm coverage on weekends, special events and Junior Ranger Camps. Highlands District VIP of the Year and Blue Ridge Parkway VIP of the YearDick Mauer A volunteer for 16 years, Dick Mauer now serves the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center. Every Thursday he rolls in with his positive, upbeat, jovial attitude ready to interact with the visitors and help out any way he can. He has worked during
bad weather and while inflicted with health issues. His familiar face has certainly become part of the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Headquarters VIP of the Year-Trent Sliker The Parkway Headquarters would not run as smoothly without Trent’s flexibility and willingness to complete any task. He provides visitors with information and answers the many calls and inquiries that come in. He has also helped the Parkway with its donation box program. Pisgah District VIP of the Year-Fanella Lang All in her first year of volunteering, Fanella opened the visitors centers, greeted people as they came in, assisted them in planning their visit to the parkway and helped the maintenance division with projects. She also compiled and submitted a complete inventory of items in the seasonal house and a list of maintenance issues that she encountered.
Partner VIP of the YearThe Northern Highlands Chapter of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway This spring the Northern Highlands Chapter organized a work day at Doughton Park Campground and the Bluffs Picnic Area. They removed tree limbs, blew leaves, raked sites and picked up trash. Two volunteers even worked on their 39th wedding anniversary. The chapter has also solicited overlook and trail adopters. They also publish The Highlander, a newsletter about the Parkway with articles about Parkway events and volunteers. Youth VIP of the YearHighlands District Student Conservation Association The Highlands District Student Conservation Association worked for three weeks and took and exploratory trip to discover more about this area of the country. They installed new rail fences around the Laurel Springs area. Michaella Francis, Miles Blaisus, Kenny Scheimreif, Haley House and Isaac Slaughter worked under the guidance of Parkway staff and their leaders Kara Conner and Jeffrey Stenzel.
21
Accomplishments • Provided recognition gifts for all Parkway volunteers. • Recruited over 450 volunteers for the Blue Ridge Marathon, including over 150 youth, totaling over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.
covering an approximate five mile stretch through the Highlands District, beginning at Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297.1) and ending at Rough Ridge Overlook (Milepost 302.8). The nine volunteers, including eight youth, contributed 46 hours to this project.
• Recruited over 50 volunteers, over 20 youth, and contributed over 1,500 hours of volunteer service to the FloydFest event. For their efforts, the FRIENDS Rocky Knob Chapter received $2,500 from FloydFest. The funds were used to support Parkway programs in the Plateau District.
• The Appalachian State University Chapter contributed a total of 40 volunteer hours for their Price Campground cleanup project, which involved the cleaning of all of the A-loop campsites (35 total), the campground trails and the amphitheater. The project involved 10 volunteers.
• The Northern Highlands Chapter, in coordination with the National Park Service trained and certified nine volunteers in chain saw handling for a total of 133 volunteer hours. In addition, the Chapter donated personal protection equipment that included seven Labonville chain saw safety chaps; seven Peltor lumberjack helmet systems; and seven mesh safety glasses.
• The Appalachian State University Chapter amassed 21 hours of volunteer service for their Spring Sweep project. Seven volunteers were involved in the collection of four 36-gallon trash bags of cans, bottles, paper, plastic, food wrappers, automobile parts, clothing, etc.
• The Roanoke Valley Chapter recruited volunteers to staff the Roanoke Mountain Campground Sunday Music Series. Volunteers greet and welcome visitors to the performance.
• The FRIENDS Asheville Chapter celebrated National Public Lands Day on September 29 by doing maintenance work at the Pisgah Campground. Twenty-two volunteers, including 14 youth, installed cooking grills and trimmed foliage from one of the campground trails. The project also involved the installation of bear-proof food containers and a general cleanup, contributing 113 hours of volunteer service to public lands.
• To kick off the beginning of Fall, on Saturday, Sept. 22, nine volunteers from FRIENDS Appalachian State University Chapter donned neon yellow, “FRIENDS at work” vests and set to work beautifying Parkway overlooks. With trash bags in hand, these committed volunteers cleaned 10 overlooks
• On the 11th of October, two Asheville Chapter Steering Committee members met with a seasonal campground and maintenance employee and Cal Clardy of the National Park Service to do a campsite by campsite analysis, dedicating six hours to coordinating maintenance projects.
• A member of the Bent Mountain Chapter spent 28 hours identifying overlooks that need their views restored as part of the chapter’s Vista Restoration Project.
22
To Blue Ridge Parkway Volunteers, You are incredible! You contributed 85,244 Hours of volunteer service equating to nearly 2 Million Dollars in wages. During the 2012/2013 year, you cleared 234 miles of trails and cleaned 190 overlooks. You trained and became chain saw certified. You raked, mulched, weeded and trimmed. You hauled 250 sacs of concrete up Sharp Top for repairs. You cleaned campgrounds, collected and emptied hundreds of pounds of trash, spread gravel, installed grills and bear-proof lockers. You painted picnic tables, and signs, and fences, and gates. You installed trail drains, built steps and benches and split rail fences. You scrubbed graffiti from overlook signs and mile markers. You donated equipment, manned events to raise funds, staffed historic sites and visitors centers. You participated in reenactments and interpretive demonstrations. You suffered muscle strains, scrapes and scratches, sweltering heat and frigid temperatures throughout the seasons, to protect and preserve the beloved Blue Ridge Parkway. Thank you volunteers, for your stalwart dedication! To put it simply, you rock!!!!
23
Future Parkway Stewards Program
Functional Expenses
$36,073 • Junior Rangers • Alternative Break Program
The Future Parkway Stewards Program connects today’s youth and students to the Blue Ridge Parkway through hands-on educational activities and volunteer service projects. The Future Parkway Stewards Program is an environmental
learning opportunity on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Through the Future Parkway Stewards Program, FRIENDS offers workshops and programs for everyone, from teachers to grade school children to university groups.
• Student Conservation Association • Youth Volunteers-InParks Program
The Future Parkway Stewards Program is made possible in part by the generous donations of Dominion Resources and the Broyhill Family Foundation.
24
Junior Ranger Program “We, Janey and Johnny Doe, are proud to be National Park Service Junior Rangers.
We
promise to appreciate, respect, and protect all National Park areas. We also promise to continue learning about the landscape, plants, animals and history of these special places. We will share what we learn with our friends and family.”
1500
Junior Rangers were hosted this year by the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Junior Ranger Program.
The Junior Ranger Program has been a nationwide endeavor for decades. Its goal, as its oath attests, is to get young people to recognize the value of the nation’s National Parks and to help preserve them. FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is just as invested in the younger generations as is the National Park Service. FRIENDS hopes that through the Junior Ranger Program the youth will be inspired to invest time in public service and to be aware of natural-resource protection and conservation. FRIENDS’ support is very important to the Junior Ranger Program on the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS provided supplies and materials so participants could have hands-on activities. A child becomes a Junior Ranger by acquiring a folder filled with activities to do while walking or driving on the Parkway. The materials include games such as Parkway Bingo, which lets junior rangers circle sites they see on the Parkway and word games related to things they might see or do. Through participation, rangers can earn badges, certificates, stickers and patches. FRIENDS funds this materials annually.
25
Alternative Break Program FRIENDS’ Alternative Break Program (ABP) provides college students with opportunities to engage in volunteer service for a week as an alternative to “traditional” spring or fall breaks. Each trip has a focus on a particular Blue Ridge Parkway project need, such as, but not limited to, restoration of Parkway assets and/or trail construction or maintenance. FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway designed the Alternative Break Program to broaden and deepen the relationship between the future stewards and the National Park System, in particular the Blue Ridge Parkway. Students learn about the communities they visit, participate in a community volunteer project and attend educational activities to learn about the Blue Ridge Parkway’s culture and heritage. Students may learn to flat foot, visit local industries, play regional instruments, and much more! Being immersed in diverse environments enables participants to experience, discuss and understand social issues and the culture and heritage of a new area in a significant way.
Accomplishments Chapter Host: Rocky Knob Break: Spring 2013 Students: 12 School: Vanderbilt University Volunteer Hours: 672 Project(s): Constructed a split rail fence near Rocky Knob Campground Chapter Host: Fisher Peak Break: Spring 2013 Students: 6 School: University of Notre Dame Volunteer Hours: 489 Project(s): worked with Cultural Resource Specialist from the National Park Service to identify, maintain and collect data from six cemeteries; cleared, installed drains and put in steps at two trails Chapter Host: Fisher Peak Break: Fall 2013 Students: 6 School: University of Notre Dame Volunteer Hours: 900 Project(s): Cleared trails, made trail improvements; maintained Fisher Peak trails; built & restored split rail fences near Puckett Cabin
26
Student Conservation Association FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, through the Broyhill Family Foundation, funded Claree James’ summer-intern position at the National Park Service’s Blue Ridge Parkway headquarters. James, a college student from Arkansas, assisted with Blue Ridge Parkway social media optimization. Immersing a college student in the National Park Service (NPS) culture provides a fresh perspective on the mission of the NPS, as well as training in the discipline in which the student is involved. Knowing what resonates with young adults is key to effectively communicate with and cultivate a second-century work force for the NPS. Claree James was hired to work at the Parkway as a digital media intern for a ten-week internship during the summer of 2013 through FRIENDS and the Broyhill Family Foundation. Students from all over the country and abroad are introduced to our parks through partnerships FRIENDS has created with colleges, universities and organizations like the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the National Park Service Academy. Claree James, a native of Arkansas, spent much of her time researching, developing and implementing a social media strategy that would target the millions of individuals who are connecting and searching for information about the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Internet and social media. “Youth today do not wake up and open the newspaper to find information,” said Claree, “Instead, they check their mobile devices.”
Accomplishments • 6 students from SCA worked a total of 900 hours with the FRIENDS Northern Highlands Chapter in July, 2012. • FRIENDS funded one 6 month intern to explore and expand the use of technology into Interpretive and educational programs.
27
Youth Volunteers in Parks (YVIP) FRIENDS hopes that the Youth Volunteers in Parks Program, which draws young people outdoors through viewshed projects, campground cleanups, overlook and trail maintenance, will have a lasting impact on younger generations. By teaching youths how to properly maintain, repair, rehabilitate, and care for the Parkway, FRIENDS believes it can ensure the Parkway a passionate and devoted bulk of volunteers for years to come. Young people participating in such endeavors provide invaluable service to their Parkway. FRIENDS thanks all of the young, curious minds that have contributed to helping secure the Parkway’s wellbeing by building future stewardship.
Accomplishments • Hosted six interns at the FRIENDS office from local high schools and universities. The interns were engaged in membership services, volunteer projects and special events. • Engaged local students in volunteer projects. The Asheville Chapter sponsored a summer intern who helped with maintenance projects in the Pisgah District.
28
• The Appalachian State University Chapter hosted a Photography Competition Celebration in ASU’s Plemmons Student Union, awarding the winners of the chapter’s first student photography competition. 11 volunteers contributed over 150 hours of service to celebrate and bring awareness to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Community Outreach
Functional Expenses
$46,498 • Chapters • Donation Box Program • Small Grants Award • Blue Ridge Parkway License Plate
To increase our capacity and meet the Blue Ridge Parkway’s needs throughout its 469 miles, FRIENDS counts on seven Chapters in communities where local leaders take an active role in the Parkway. Comprised entirely of FRIENDS members and volunteers, Chapters look for innovative ways to reach out to their communities and involve them in their Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is not the only national park that shares its borders with different counties, but the FRIENDS Chapter program is unique. Our string of FRIENDS Chapters engages communities through special projects and events, collaborating with the public in their respective communities to create a sense of communal ownership and responsibility for our park.
• Blue Ridge Marathon • Corporations Giving Back • 469 Mile Award • Annual Golf Classic
The Community Outreach Program is made possible in part by the generous donations of The Beirne Carter Foundation, The Mary Ann Elliott Foundation and The Environmental Education Foundation.
29
Chapters Roanoke Valley Chapter Milepost 100-150
Rocky Knob Chapter Milepost 150-200
The Roanoke Valley Chapter cares for trails, overlooks, campgrounds and picnic areas. This year, the Roanoke Valley Chapter focused on the Viewshed Restoration Project, which entailed removing the protective sleeves from trees and seedlings that were planted 3-5 years ago in the chapter’s service area. With so many planting sites needing follow-up care, the chapter has relied on various groups and individuals to help remove the protective sleeves and stakes.
The Rocky Knob Chapter once again hosted 12 students from Vanderbilt University as part of the Alternative Break Program. The Chapter mentored the students and completed several projects, including a clean-up at Mabry Mill, built a split-rail fence near the Rocky Knob Campground and volunteered at the Jacksonville Center for the Arts.
The Roanoke Valley Chapter also raised funds to support Parkway programs through efforts and events such as the Blue Ridge Marathon. The proceeds raised from this event made the summerlong series of music concerts at Roanoke Mountain Campground possible. One of our Roanoke Valley Chapter members, Kathy Van Duzer, began work on a Vinton Loop Guide, which will invite Parkway visitors to explore one of the many attractions available to those traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Roanoke Valley Chapter hosted and prepared a luncheon recognizing Blue Ridge Parkway employees in the Plateau District. The luncheon was part of the Parkway Staff Appreciation Day and was a way to say “thank you” for the care and commitment demonstrated every day by those who wear the Parkway uniform.
30
The Rocky Knob Chapter also continued to collect donations from the National Park Service donation box at Mabry Mill. FRIENDS maintains the Mabry Mill donation box and collects the money monthly, and all donations go directly to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each summer, the Rocky Knob Chapter volunteer at Floyd Fest and raise funds for Parkway programs and materials for Mabry Mill. The Rocky Knob Chapter had 20 volunteers, including 8 youth, that worked at FloydFest in July, 2012, contributing 315 hours of volunteer service. Rocky Knob FRIENDS held a picnic for the Park Rangers and staff on September 13, 2012. This was a way to show the chapter’s appreciation for the great work the Park Service does on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attending were 16 Rangers and staff and 11 FRIENDS of the Parkway. 12 FRIENDS volunteers prepared and served Parkway staff, contributing six hours each.
Fisher Peak Chapter Milepost 200-217.5
Northern Highlands Chapter Milepost 217.5-275
The Fisher Peak Chapter piloted the Adopt-A-Cemetery Program. Working with Stephen Kidd from the National Park Service, the Fisher Peak Chapter catalogued several of the cemeteries in their area. Six historically important cemeteries are located in the Chapter’s service area.
The Northern Highlands Chapter contributed over 570 hours of volunteer work for the enhancement, promotion, and preservation of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Northern Highlands Chapter amassed 234.5 meeting hours to coordinate projects and events.
The Fisher Peak Chapter hosted two groups from Notre Dame University as part of the Alternative Break Program. The group cleared and maintained trails at the Blue Ridge Music Center and Cumberland Gap. Through fund-raising efforts, the Fisher Peak Chapter provides funds for the ParksAs-Classroom program at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Each year this program hosts hundreds of school children from underprivileged communities in the area and engages them in the educational and music activities. The Chapter also landscapes around the Blue Ridge Music Center to preserve the area for the music series.
The Northern Highlands Chapter combined Public Lands Day and Blue Ridge Parkway Appreciation Days by planning, preparing, and presenting luncheons for approximately 20 staff and volunteers out of the Laurel Springs office and approximately 40 staff and volunteers out of the Sandy Flats office. The Northern Highlands Chapter set up a booth at the Arts and Crafts Fair in Sparta on Friday and Saturday, July 27 – 28, 2012. Merchandise was sold, donations were received, lots of materials were distributed, and information about our chapter was shared. The booth was manned by Linda and Jack Turlington, Sue McMullen, and Joyce and John Speas.
31
Appalachian State University Chapter - Milepost 275-316
Asheville Chapter Milepost 364-415
The Appalachian State University Chapter has completed multiple service projects since its inception, including overlook and trail maintenance through the adoption of three overlooks and the Tanawha Trail; the removal of the debris of an old dam along Sims Creek; a restoration project on Boone Fork trail; partnering with the Mountains-to-sea Trail organization to help build a new trail near Aho Gap; assisting the High Country chapter with trail maintenance around Price Lake; and a shrub planting near Beacon Heights.
The FRIENDS Asheville Chapter obtained a new chair effective July 1, 2012, and in the last year, the chapter has completed a variety of projects.
The chapter also has helped Park Service staff clean the Price Park Campground on multiple occasions, and initiated a “Spring Sweep” trash pickup from mileposts 281 to 308 in April 2013. Members have raised funds through on-campus activities, including working concessions at home football games, and hosting an Appalachian storytelling event. Chapter members have most recently been engaged in establishing mutually beneficial relations with other campus organizations in an effort to increase volunteer participation along the Parkway. And, during the summer of 2012, the chapter was able to use its funds to donate a commercial-grade brush trimmer to the Highlands District maintenance staff.
32
The steering committee has 3-5 leaders in place and meets monthly to discuss the needs of the Parkway. These meetings are also used to recruit the next round of leaders. We also try to promote FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway at events and festivals. The chapter attended three festivals in July held at the Visitor Center. The Asheville Chapter completed a survey to determine if overlooks and trails were being properly maintained, and determined that one trail was overlooked, which was promptly assigned to the Carolina Mountain Club. We now have 100% of our trails covered. The Chapter also managed to secure adoptions for three out of four intersections that were not being maintained. The Chapter also helped maintain the Pisgah Campground and the flower beds at the Visitor Center. The Chapter also focused on cleaning the road signs in the chapter’s service area. One of the end-of-year donations was a drill to Pisgah District Maintenance Division.
Small Grants Award
Donation Box Program One of the most convenient ways for park visitors to express their support is through on-site donation boxes. Twenty-five years ago donation boxes were an exception in parks. Today, most parks have one or more donation boxes, and they are an integral part of a park’s ability to maintain excellence. Working with the National Park Service, FRIENDS helps design, place and manage donation boxes, both in parks and outside park boundaries, to achieve maximum success.
As part of its Small Grants program, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway awarded a $2,558 grant to the Carolina Mountain Club to purchase needed maintenance equipment for the crews and the Section Maintainers of the Mountainsto-Sea Trail, which combines and crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway’s trails in many sections. Small Grants are for volunteer service initiatives with budgets less than $3,000. This year’s grant was used for hand tools and chain saw repair to keep the trails safe and well groomed. The repaired chain saws were utilized to cut logs to act as step risers, cut up blow downs and fell trees and brush that need to be removed. Fitting with FRIENDS’ goal of enhancing and preserving the Parkway and its cultural and natural resources, all of the equipment was utilized to ensure that the hiker has a safe, positive experience on the trails.
The National Park Service supports the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s management of the Donation Box Program and authorizes FRIENDS’ involvement with the donation boxes, as 100% of all donations collected by FRIENDS volunteers are returned directly to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Accomplishments • Coordinated with the National Park Service to update the Donation Box Procedures. • Recruited volunteers to collect funds at two new locations. • Provided necessary documents and envelopes for proper collection of funds. • Recognized all donation box volunteers at annual volunteer recognition event.
33
Blue Ridge Parkway License Plate
1700
Blue Ridge Parkway plates are on the road as of June, 2013.
Corporations Giving Back Since 2010, a group of Bank of America volunteers from Charlotte, N.C., has joined a local FRIENDS chapter for a campground clean up. This past spring, Bank of America contacted FRIENDS, for a third year, with an interest in working on a Parkway cleanup project with the Asheville Chapter at Linville Falls. A workday project at Linville Falls was planned and coordinated by the FRIENDS Asheville Chapter and National Park Service. The Asheville Chapter and the volunteers from Bank of America worked together to tidy up the site. Bank of America’s pledge of support to FRIENDS is a public demonstration of good corporate citizenship. Thirteen volunteers, including two youths, contributed 108 hours to the community outreach project. 34
The Blue Ridge Parkway is constantly featured in top 10 lists for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and, of course, motorcyclists. With countless opportunities to soak in some of the greatest mountain views in the eastern U.S., it is no surprise that the Discovery Channel featured the Blue Ridge Parkway in its Top 10 list of “Best Motorcycle Rides in North America”. If you love the Blue Ridge Parkway and own a motorcycle or an automobile in Virginia, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway designed a beautiful tag just for you! This an easy and fantastic way to show your Blue Ridge colors while supporting the Blue Ridge Parkway. As a revenue-sharing tag, $15.00 of the $25.00 fee goes directly to supporting the Blue Ridge Parkway’s educational and maintenance programs.
13
volunteers contributed
108
hours of work at Linville Falls.
469-Mile Award Have you traveled all 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway? If you have, FRIENDS, in cooperation and partnership with the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway, would like to join you in celebrating your Parkway journey! To be eligible you must have traveled the entire length of the Parkway since September 11, 1987 (the completion date of the Parkway). Your journey may have been made via automobile, bicycle, motorcycle or by foot. It is not necessary to have completed the trip all at one time. As long as you’ve traveled all 469 miles since the Parkway’s completion, you’re eligible.
Number of award recipients by mode of transportation:
481 161 39 14 72
Automobile Motorcycle RV Foot Bicycle
If you have completed this memorable experience, we want to hear from you. We would love to send you a beautiful 469 Mile Award Certificate and a BRP automobile sticker in recognition of your journey.
Informational Sign FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, thanks to the support of the Mary Ann Elliott Foundation, purchased an additional panel for the informational kiosk being installed at Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center.
existing architecture of the Parkway and particularly that of the Whetstone Ridge Station and Maintenance Depot. The four-panel kiosk structure will include information relevant to visitor needs, based on requests and feedback from Similar to that at Milepost 0 and at Otter past and current visitors. The informaCreek, this informational panel and kiosk tion can be updated throughout the year is designed and constructed to match the and seasons.
35
2013 Blue Ridge Marathon
1,684 runners with
5
countries represented and,
38
states present, plus
450
volunteers, gathered in 2013 for the biggest Blue Ridge Marathon yet!
36
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the main beneficiary of the race proceeds, and this year’s event raised $10,000 in support of FRIENDS and its work. FRIENDS helped recruit over 450 volunteers for the Blue Ridge Marathon, including over 150 youth, totaling over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. Local Roanoke artists Janet Wimmer also painted a beautiful piece of art of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its Blue Ridge Marathon participants. The painting was donated by the artist and raffled off. The proceeds went to FRIENDS.
3rd Annual Golf Classic FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s first Annual Golf Classic teed-off in October 2010, at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Arden, NC. The event was a huge success and was followed by the second tournament in May 2011 at Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Va. Co-hosted by Virginia Tech Football Coach Frank Beamer and former Miss America Kylene Barker, the annual Golf Classic sold out exclusively to business sponsors even before opening to the public! The event generated over $25,000 for FRIENDS programs like Save Parkway Views, Engaging Future Stewards, and Volunteers in Parks. In 2013, we had another great Golf Classic, with 18 teams and a beautiful day. Over 20 volunteers, including six from the Miss Virginia pageant, helped with preparations and making sure the day was a success.
Blue Ridge Parkway Information & Membership Services FRIENDS is able to accomplish its mission through the contributions of annual members. FRIENDS currently has over 10,000 members and is one of the fastest growing FRIENDS groups in the nation. At a time when many nonprofits are facing economic downturns, FRIENDS is GROWING in its service to the Blue Ridge Parkway and as an organization. Support the Blue Ridge Parkway by joining FRIENDS today!
FRIENDS also delivered Milemarkers, a members-only digital publication distributed quarterly to FRIENDS members, and reached over 6,000 contacts through digital eBlasts and eNewsletters.
Lastly, FRIENDS administered the High Vistas Journal, a biannual publication showcasing FRIENDS’ work, Parkway stories, special Parkway places and Parkway history, ecology and cultural In 2012-2013, FRIENDS answered toll- heritage. High Vistas reached more free Parkway Information Line to over than 10,000 member households and 10,000 members, assisting members businesses. with Blue Ridge Parkway information. 37
To FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway Members, We cannot thank you enough! You helped raise more than $2,000,000 in monetary donations and contributions of goods and services. Your generous support kept FRIENDS programs alive in the 2012/2013 fiscal year. Because of you, the preservation, protection and education efforts continue to foster the prosperity of America’s most visited national park. Your gifts help ensure the well-being of The Blue Ridge Parkway for today and for future generations and support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway in programs such as: • Providing 85,244 volunteer service hours and 2,258 volunteers to the Blue Ridge Parkway; • Maintaining over 1.2 million feet of trail that provide access to the Parkway’s rich biodiversity. • Hosting over 1,500 children through the Junior Ranger program, which aims to introduce young and diverse people to the National Park System. • Reaching thousands of local school students from underserved communities through the Parks as Classroom programs, where they learned about our nation’s rich history and culture. Without you, none of this would be possible.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! The staff and board of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway
38
Board of Directors and Officers President
Ken Randolph
President, Rockydale Quarries Corp. P.O. Box 8425 Roanoke, VA 24014-0425 Office: 540-774-1696, ext. 305 Cell: 540-580-6448 Email: krandolph@rockydalequarries.com Vice President
David Poteet
President, Nomad Mobile Guides, Inc. 2270 Kraft Drive, Suite 1400 Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-818-0183 Email: david@nomadmobileguides.com Secretary
Lynn Davis
Denise Koff
5527 Cavalier Drive Roanoke, VA 24018 Office: 540-989-6138; Home: 540-772-1410 Email: dkoff@leisurepublishing.com
Mary Jane Ferguson
PO Box 102 Cherokee, NC 28719 Cell: 828-736-7361 Email: maryferg@frontier.com
Dan Chitwood
P O Box 20912 Roanoke, VA 24018 Office: 540-989-9040 Email: danchitwood1@cox.net
Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment 1674 Sigmon Road Roanoke, VA 24017 Office: 540-231-6157; Home: 540-562-2692 Email: davisl@vt.edu
Jonathan R. Ireland
Treasurer
12 Victory Avenue Greenville, SC 29601 Office: 864-232-1920 Home: 864-235-4850 Email: keysni@bellsouth.net
J. Richard Wells
Leisure Publishing Co. 3424 Brambleton Avenue Roanoke, VA 24018 Office: 540-989-6138 Ext 2 E mail: rwells@leisurepublishing.com
William Brenton, Jr., CFP
The Brenton Group 114 Market Street, Suite 200 Roanoke, VA 24011 Office: 540-985-5406 or 800-964-1828 Email: William_brentonjr@ml.com
Ballyhack Golf Club 3609 Pitzer Road Roanoke, VA 24014 Office: 540-427-1395 Email: jireland@ballyhackgolfclub.com
Ben Geer Keys
Kyle Edgell
402 4th Street SE Roanoke, VA 24013 Office: 540-343-7227 Email: artist@kyleedgell.com (Primary) kyle.edgell@rescuemission.net
39
Trustee Board Mark Dempsey
Palmer L. Bland, Jr.
William (Bill) F. Mason, Jr., Esq.
Nye Simmons, M.D.
VP of External Affairs – VA Appalachian Power Company 40 Franklin Road SW Roanoke. VA 24022-2121 Office: 540-985-2900 Email: medempsey@aep.com
302 Washington Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 Phone (540) 344-2017 Email: WFMason@302lawoffice.com
Vice President Plastics’ One, Inc. 6591 Merriman Road Roanoke, VA 24018-6664 Phone: 540-772-7960 Ext 126 Email: pbland@plastics1.com
Simmons Photographic Arts 729 Hampton Roads Drive Knoxville, TN 37934-4072 Home: 865-556-7573 Email: nyesimmons@chartertn.net
Board Emeritus Mary Guynn (Advisory Board Member) 108 Williams Street Galax, VA 24333 Home: 276-236-3172 Email: mguynn@adelphia.net
Dick Patterson, M.D. (Advisory Board Member)
617 Downing Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Home: 336-768-7797 Email: djpatt0311@earthlink.net
40
J. Richard Wells (Board Treasurer)
Leisure Publishing Co. 3424 Brambleton Avenue Roanoke, VA 24018 Office: 540-989-6138 Fax: 540-989-7603 Email: rwells@leisurepublishing.com
Advisory Board Marcia and Dave Barstow
Elizabeth Sims
Pat and Chuck Blackley
Fedrick Kubik
Barstow Family Foundation 221 Holland Drive Black Mountain, NC 28711 Home: 828-664-9962 Email: mtndavy@earthlink.net
406 Audubon Street Staunton, VA 24401 Office/Home: 540-885-7329 Email: pcblackley@comcast.net
George Blanar, Ph.D. 7586 Autumn Park Drive Roanoke, VA 24018 Home: 540-761-1116 Email: blanar@cox.net
Mr. Rupert Cutler, Ph.D. 2865 S Jefferson Street Roanoke, VA 24014 Office/Home: 540-345-7653 Email: mrcutler@aol.com
David Harrison
5305 Medmont Circle SW Roanoke, VA 24018-1120 Home: 540-989-1663 Email: dgh@cox.net
George Humphries
Photographer 241 Paint Fork Road Barnardsville, NC 28709-9765 Home: 828-626-3881
Dr. Harley Jolley
PO Box 92 Mars Hill, NC 28754 Home: 828-689-4189 (Lifetime Member)
Owner, Elizabeth Sims, LLC 13 Creekside Way Asheville, NC 28804 828-777-9493 Email: elsims@aol.com
Chocklett Press 2922 Nicholas Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24012 Office: 540-345-1820 Cell: 540-537-3470 Email: tubbyk@chocklettpress.com
Cara Ellen Modisett
3424 Brambleton Avenue Roanoke, VA 24018 Office: 540-989-6138 Cell: 540-819-3953 Email: cmodisett@leisurepublishing.com
Dick Patterson, M.D.
617 Downing Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Home: 336-768-7797 Email: djpatt0311@earthlink.net
Jamie Prince
124 Bluestone Court Easley, SC 29642 Office: 864-248-0255 Email: Jamie@startflousishing.com
Marie Tambellini
Assistant V.P./Director of Marketing Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 1010 Asheville, NC 28802 Office: 828-258-6138 Cell: 828-230-9713 Email: mtambellini@exploreasheville.com
41
Statement of Activities 2013 For the year ending June 30, 2013
OPERATING SUPPORT AND REVENUE Membership In-kind Contributions: Materials In-Kind Contributions: Services* Contributions Corporate Membership Sales of Merchandise Grants License Plate Account (all temporarily restricted) Donation Box Account (all temporarily restricted) Interest/Misc TOTAL OPERATING SUPPORT AND REVENUE
$121,023 $8,927 $1,944,507 $42,827 $48,980 $5,425 $104,774 $6,313 $2,411 $2,285,187
FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Blue Ridge Resource Management, Preservation & Protection Parkway Programs & Services Save Parkway Views Program In-Kind Contribution Volunteers In Parks Interpretive & Education Programs Support In-Kind Contribution Volunteer Services (85,244 Hours x $22.14/Hour) VIP Recognition In-Kind Contribution Trails Forever Program In-Kind Contribution Future Stewards Program: Junior Ranger & Youth VIP In-Kind Contribution
$12,493 $5,443 $65,932 6,873 $1,887,302 $16,774 $10,875 $36,290 $5,543 $30,530 $5,543
Environmental Education and Outreach Blue Ridge Chapters & Community Outreach In-Kind Contribution Membership Services In-Kind Contribution Blue Ridge Outreach High Vistas Journal/eNews Website Blue Ridge Parkway Info Service In-Kind Contribution Total Programs & Services Management and General In-Kind Contribution Fundraising and Development In-Kind Contribution
Total Functional Expenses
$39,511 $6,987 $27,365 $5,643 $15,643 $21,521 $4,909 $5,443 $22,249 $5,643 $14,288 $8,143 $2,260,943
Change in Net Assets Net Assets – Beginning of Year
$24,244 $116,565
Net Assets – End of Year
$140,809
*Volunteer hours are at the volunteer rate of FY 2013 - $22.14
42
Blue Ridge Parkway Resource Management, Preservation and Protection Programs and Services • Save Parkway Views • Volunteers In Parks • Volunteer Services • Trails Forever • Junior Ranger • Youth Volunteers • Future Stewards Blue Ridge Parkway Education & Outreach Programs • FRIENDS Parkway Chapters • High Vistas Journal • Interpretation & Education Programs • FRIENDS eNews & Website • Membership Services • Volunteer Recognition • Parkway & Community Outreach • Parkway Donation Boxes
Congratulations from the Virginia and North Carolina Governors On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am pleased to congratulate FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the occasion of your 25th anniversary of continued commitment to community service. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of most unique resources, contributing to Virginia’s scenic beauty, economic vitality, and quality of life. I commend you for your hard work and dedication to improving the lives of citizens throughout our Commonwealth. Virginians continue to be inspired by your commitment and enthusiasm to promote the historic and recreational value of this unique national treasure.
~ Governor Robert F. McDonnell ~ Congratulations to the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway on their 25th Anniversary. Western North Carolina has some of the most beautiful scenery in our state and nation and unlimited recreational opportunities. I am thankful that we have the Blue Ridge Parkway coming right through our great state and connecting us to other scenic areas of our country.
~ Governor Pat McCrory ~
A Message from the Blue Ridge Parkway Deputy Superintendent This has been an interesting year for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Park Service. Our fundamental mission “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” has been put to the test. Reduced budgets caused reduced staffing and facility closures making our partnerships more important than ever if we are to fulfill this mission. Volunteer service and financial contributions from FRIENDS like you are at work daily along all 469-miles of the Parkway. We depend on this level of support now, more than ever. As FRIENDS celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the National Park Service approaches its 100th anniversary in 2016, we all must renew our commitment to the protection of this vital, yet vulnerable, resource. Thank you for being a FRIEND of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
~ Deputy Superintendent Monika Mayr ~ FRIENDS would like to thank Monika Mayr for her service as interim Superintendent. Mayr was joined in September by the newly appointed Superintendent Mark Woods; we wish Monika the best as she continues as the Blue Ridge Parkway Deputy Superintendent.
43
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose current principal business address for identification purposes is P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018. FRIENDS has provided 25 years of service to the Blue Ridge Parkway and has increased its membership to over 10,000 members. Visit FRIENDS at www.FriendsBRP.org for more information on how you can donate, join, or get involved today!
44