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August 2015 - In this Issue of The Scenic:
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Kristiana Davis, crew leader Haley Baker, Ryan Avery, Jacob Franco, Dylan Stancil, assistant crew leader Thomas Booten, Blake Barnette, and Ava Clark spent seven weeks this summer working on Parkway improvements.
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Budding conservationists put a fresh face on the Parkway
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Teens spend the summer repairing trails, building fences, and more |
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New stairs at Rough Ridge Trail
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As you explore the Blue Ridge Parkway in these final days of summer, you'll see spruced up areas across the High Country. At Rough Ridge Trail, you can get a leg up on the steep terrain via a new set of stairs. Pull over for a pause as Sim's Pond or Julian Price Memorial Park picnic area to see newly constructed split rail fences. And Green Knob Trail is in great shape thanks to new steps and nearly two and a half miles of cleanup.
The credit for these improvements and more belongs to a handful of teenagers and two leaders who spent seven weeks this summer camping and working along the Parkway as part of the North Carolina Youth Conservation Corps (NCYCC). The NCYCC is a program of the Conservation Trust of North Carolina, and this crew in particular was funded by the conservation group and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, working together to foster a new generation of stewards for public land.
The benefits of this program for ages 16 to 24 aren't just for Parkway visitors though. The teens from across North Carolina worked together for eight hours a day, five days a week, all the while gaining a respect for each other, the environment, and their own abilities. "Not only did I learn a great deal about the people in my crew, but I learned a lot about myself," said NCYCC crew member Blake Barnette. "I also learned what an impact such a small group can make on the environment. It's definitely something I'll keep with me for the rest of my life."
Read more about the crew's work here.
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New Trail Openings, Friends Day, and More Events
Bike TRACK Trail Grand Opening
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| | Rocky Knob Park Pump Track |
Boone, N.C.
Saturday, August 29
Bring the kids and come celebrate Kids in Parks' sixth anniversary and the grand opening of a new biking TRACK Trail at Rocky Knob Park in Boone, N.C., on Saturday, August 29, at 9:30 a.m. The Pump Track at Rocky Knob is one of the first of its kind in the country to incorporate educational signs designed to teach the skills needed to master berms, rollers, and other features on the course. For information on more trails, visit www.kidsinparks.com.
Centennial Celebration & Concert
Blue Ridge Music Center, milepost 213, Virginia
Saturday, August 29, 1 p.m.
Let's celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday! The Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Music Center, and Parkway partner organizations are launching the National Park Service's 2016 anniversary on Saturday, August 29, with a partner showcase and an evening performance by the Steep Canyon Rangers.
The Centennial Partner Showcase and a Midday Mountain Music performance (noon to 4 p.m.) are free. Concert tickets are $20. Visit BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org or call (866) 308-2773, ext. 245.
Mast General Friends Day 
Saturday, September 12, all day
Each year, Mast General Store gives back to local groups with Friends Day, and we're so grateful to be one of their friends. On September 12, Mast stores in Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, and Valle Crucis will donate 10% of sales to the Foundation. Be sure to step out and show your appreciation for a community-minded business and the Parkway.
Plates for the Parkway Dining Out Event
Tuesday, September 15
Invite your friends and family out for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants signed up for our annual Plates for the Parkway event. Participating restaurants, including The Admiral and Local Joint (Asheville), Red Onion and The Gamekeeper (Boone), Village Tavern (multiple locations), and many more, will donate 10% or more of sales to the Foundation. Click here to choose your dining destination.
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Many Thanks!
The Parkway is a better place because of your help
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| | The Cone Family: Butch and Jennifer, Caesar Cone III and Bettie, Janet, Kristen, and Marty |
Reception for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
We appreciate everyone who came out to support our preservation efforts at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park during the recent benefit reception at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. A special thank you goes out to our hosts, Janet and Kristen Cone, who made the evening possible and the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre for their production of The Denim King. Stay tuned for developments at the park.
High Pass Boogie
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Jim McMains, Carolyn Ward, Justin Roberts, and John Koenig
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This year's High Pass Boogie hosted by the Asheville BMW Riders was a huge success! At the club's July meeting and cookout, the group presented Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward with a check for $6,507 to help fund the rehabilitation of the amphitheater at Mount Pisgah Campground, milepost 408. Earlier this year, the plan to repave the amphitheater, replace sagging seating, and upgrade the electrical system was named a Centennial Challenge project, which guarantees matching funds for all donations. The club's gift will be doubled to just more than $13,000. For more info about the Mount Pisgah project, click here .
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Get the Plate
Order your specialty license tag and help the Parkway
For each attractive Blue Ridge Parkway license plate sold, $20 funds important projects on the scenic route. Learn More |
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Coming up at the Blue Ridge Music Center
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Wayne Henderson, Helen White, and Herb Key play the Music Center on September 5.
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Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run play Sept. 26
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The summer may be fading fast, but there are plenty of stellar concerts ahead at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Here's a lineup of the Saturday shows:
September 5: Wayne Henderson, Helen White & Herb Key + Stevie Barr & The Mastertones, 7 p.m., $10
September 12: Midday Mountain Music Showcase with Buck Mountain Band + Willard Gayheart, Bobby Patterson, and Scott Freeman + Bill and Maggie Anderson, 7 p.m., FREE
September 19: Paul Brown, Terri McMurray, Alice Gerrard and Kay Justice + De Temps Antan, 4 p.m., $15
September 26: Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run + The Buckstankle Boys, 4 p.m., $15
October 3: The Steel Wheels + The Buck Stops Here, 4 p.m., $15
October 10: The Lee Boys + Dark Water Rising, 4 p.m., $10
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Your Support Matters
Join our Community of Stewards
As the primary fund-raiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America's Favorite Journey™. Learn more about joining our Community of Stewards at www.BRPFoundation.org.
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STAY CONNECTED  
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