Blue Ridge Parkway

FRIENDS of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc.

A non-profit, volunteer organization
dedicated to preserving and protecting the
Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure.
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Awards and Recognition

Awards For Protecting And Restoring Parkway Views!

FRIENDS was awarded the first-ever Founder's Award by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities before Virginia's legislative representatives for their preservation of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This award was granted for FRIENDS' "efforts related to the preservation of this tremendous asset," says APVA Executive Director Elizabeth Kostelny.  The APVA is the oldest national preservation association.

"We were very pleased to honor the good work FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has achieved," said Louis J. Malon, Director of Properties for APVA. "The Founder's Award was instituted this year to honor a preservation group or effort that best reflects the ideals and commitment of PRESERVATION that the founders of the APVA in the late 19th century represented. Using only idealism, passion and an indomitable belief in their cause, our founders formed an organization that thrives 115 years later. We see the same qualities in this Friends group and their viewshed work along the Parkway."  Press Release

In addition, Scenic Virginia, a viewshed preservation group associated with Scenic America, has presented FRIENDS with an award for the "Best Preservation of a Scenic Viewshed."

The award was presented to the National Park Service, Roanoke County, Radford & Co., the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Western Virginia Land Trust for preserving 60 acres of scenic viewshed along the Blue Ridge Parkway for generations to come.

In 2002, Scenic America -- Scenic Virginia's parent organization -- designated a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke County as one of its ten "Last Chance Landscapes," areas it deemed as the most threatened scenic landscapes in the country.

Soon after, several local organizations answered the call and joined forces to save the important Blue Ridge vistas. Working with the National Parks Service, Roanoke County planning staff mapped viewsheds, identified property owners, and incorporated the resulting information into the County's comprehensive plan. The FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway established a "Last Chance" steering committee. The Western Virginia Land Trust stepped up its effort to educate property owners along the Blue Ridge Parkway about the value of conservation easements.

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place with businessman Frank Radford's generous donation of more than 60 acres of land to protect critical views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The result is that one of the Roanoke Valley's most scenic Parkway views will forever be preserved.

"I am proud to accept this award on behalf of FRIENDS members and the board," said FRIENDS Executive Director Susan Mills. "It validates the work FRIENDS is accomplishing toward viewshed restoration and other preservation efforts. We encourage the public to become involved with FRIENDS preservation mission. There are many ways to help – be a Parkway volunteer, join FRIENDS or fund Parkway projects – but most importantly get involved to preserve this national treasure!"

Parkway Milepost Wins First Place Award from National Press Women's Association

Leisure Publishing and editor of the Parkway Milepost, Cara Modisett, were notified by the national awards committee of the National Press Women's Association in June 2008 that they both had won a first place award in the magazine/tabloid category.

Postcard History Series, The Blue Ridge Parkway Wins Award

Karen J. Hall, the author of Postcard History Series, The Blue Ridge Parkway, won the 2007 Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. FRIENDS Board Vice President attended the award ceremony in Sanford, NC.

FRIENDS Wins Videographer Award

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway working with a volunteer team led by Dick Byrd, won an international award for television production. The Videographer Awards, based in Arlington, Texas, has honored his work on a series of public service announcements for “FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.” Byrd is receiving an Award of Distinction for the series.

The Videographer Awards this year had 2,327 entries from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. Only approximately 14 percent of the entries received an Award of Distinction in 186 categories.

FRIENDS Publications

FRIENDS published the Parkway Milepost publication that was distributed along 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway to 21 million visitors.  

FRIENDS also published the High Vistas newsletter for its members and volunteers.  Both the Milepost and High Vistas won first place awards in the Virginia Press Women's 2007 competition.  These two awards were among 8 awards received by Cara Modisett, editor of the regional Blue Ridge Country magazine, for writing, editing and broadcast -- including 6 first place awards.  Blue Ridge Country magazine was also named top magazine in Virginia in the same competition for the second year in a row.

Recognizing Environmental Achievement:  FRIENDS Partners With Mountain Homes Magazine

In 2007, FRIENDS, in partnership with Mountain Homes magazine (a publication of Leisure Publishing Company) announced the first ever FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Environmental Awards.

"As two groups focused on environmental preservation," says Mountain Homes Editor Norma Lugar, "Mountain Homes and FRIENDS have joined forces to use the magazine's visibility and FRIENDS' objectives to promote the cause and acknowledge the efforts of those who have accomplished or attempted exceptional programs."

Winners in three categories - communities/developments, environmental organizations and individuals - were announced in the fall 2007 issue of Mountain Homes.

Click here to read more about the Environmental Conservation awards.