During the season, young visitors may participate in the Parkway's "Junior Ranger Program" and earn a badge and a certificate. This is an excellent way for children to interact with a ranger, learn about protection of the national park, and participate in activities that help protect the Blue Ridge Parkway.
While visiting the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86), ask about "Fishing With A Ranger" in Abbott Lake.
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, Patrick, and Carroll counties, call (540) 745 9680.
In North Carolina, for schools in Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, and Wilkes counties, call (276) 238 9042; for Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, and Watauga counties, call (828) 295 6308; for Asheville city, Buncombe, Haywood, Swain, Jackson, Macon, Clay, and Graham counties, call (828) 350 3822.
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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. The Blue Ridge Parkway staff will do everything possible to accommodate your group.
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