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
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
A Plan for Stimulus Money: National Parks
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
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