North Carolina has a variety of geography and history to help support Parks As Classrooms. The Parkway offers programs that cover almost all of the NC Science Curriculum Competency Goals and Objectives for the elementary level, as well as many of the Junior High and High School elements. Scheduling a field trip and instructor for the PAC program is a little easier when you know the right person to contact.
Randy Sutton conducts programs in the North Carolina counties around Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, and Surry counties. Randy can be reached at (336) 657-3458 or at the Blue Ridge Parkway Office, 49800 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644. If you have trouble reaching Randy, you can email him at Randy_Sutton@nps.gov.
Michele Maertens conducts programs in the Buncombe county and Asheville, NC area. Michele can be reached at (828) 298 0293 ext 207 or at the Blue Ridge Parkway Office, 51 Ranger Drive, Asheville, NC 28805. If you have trouble reaching Michele, you can email her at Michele_Maertens@nps.gov.
You can contact any of the following Parkway offices to arrange field trips.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park uses the Cone Manor House and nearby trails to provide cultural and natural programs. A highlight for school groups is the Beaver Walk in Julian Price picnic area. Cone Park is located at milepost 294 on the Parkway, near the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock, N.C.
Contact:
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Office
Rt. 1 Box 565
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
(828) 295-7591
Gillespie Gap
Gillespie Gap, near Spruce Pine, N.C., has an extensive natural history program. Linville Falls is an excellent location with restrooms and picnic area open from mid-April through November. The Linville River and North Carolina Museum of Minerals provide a natural focus for classes on Aquatic Ecology and Geology.
Contact:
Gillespie Gap Office
Rt. 1 Box 798
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-6082
Asheville
The Asheville area is a wonderful place for environmental education, within easy access of the Folk Art Center and Craggy Gardens. The Asheville office provides all types of programming, with classes available both inside and outdoors. The education even continues during the summer months with an active Junior Ranger program.
Contact:
Oteen Ranger Station
51 Ranger Drive
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-0281
Due to limited staff and demand for the classes, we encourage teachers to contact our offices early and confirm their class dates. Please be ready to provide the name of the group, the number of students, their ages and the name of contact person.
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