Blue Ridge Parkway
Just For Kids
For Teachers
Since the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed, rangers have provided programs for the public to teach the natural and cultural history of the Appalachian Mountains. Understanding the relationship between humans and the environment is vital for the preservation of both. Two volumes of "An Appalachian Curriculum" are available for teachers. These educational activities are geared to the North Carolina and Virginia learning standards and provide educational activities for visits to various Parkway locations. Contact the closest Parkway office for details on the programs available.
A Ranger in Your Classroom!
The Blue Ridge Parkway staff offers programs for students in their classrooms through the fall and winter. The rangers conducting these programs have years of experience with children of a variety of ages. They know the state curriculum and will work with the teacher in our "Parks As Classrooms" program. The goal is to bring students in touch with the natural world and the cultural heritage of our region in a way that is real and meaningful, working in conjunction with the state school curriculum. Call the closest District Office for details on scheduling a curriculum-based program in the classroom:
In Virginia, for schools in Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Nelson, and Rockbridge counties, call (540) 377 2377; for Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Salem, and Franklin counties, call (540) 767 2490 ext 37; for Floyd and Patrick counties, call (540) 745 9680; for Grayson and Carroll counties, call (276) 236 5309 ext 113 .
In North Carolina, for schools in Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, and Wilkes counties, call (276) 236 5309 ext 113; for Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, and Watauga counties, call (828) 765-1228 ; for Asheville city, Buncombe, Haywood, Swain, Jackson, Macon, Clay, and Graham counties, call (828) 350 3822.
Bring Your Class to the Parkway!
In the spring, Parkway staff offer programs at most locations along the Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina in an attempt to make environmental education more accessible to all students. Teachers should contact the closest district office as soon as possible to schedule a field trip for their class. Keep in mind that the number of classes is limited. They will be filled on a first come, first served basis, so make your reservations early to ensure your class will be able to participate. The Blue Ridge Parkway staff feels very strongly that our best hope for the future lies in educating our children today.
Blue Ridge Parkway In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
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