Asheville
Asheville Chapter 
Fall 2008
Weed Identification Workshop
The Asheville Chapter held its "Weed Identification Workshop" at the Folk Art Center on the Parkway on Saturday, Sept 27. The Asheville personnel were dismayed at the turnout, but they were pleased that their organization and planning made this event a lot easier to plan, budget, and execute as compared to the April Viewshed event. The severe gasoline shortage in Western North Carolina and the media attention on it probably contributed to the low turnout. The Asheville Chapter is busy planning its next event: A speaker-anchored social event in Asheville either at the Parkway Destination Center or at the Folk Art Center, probably in the March 2009 timeframe. Plans are in place to secure a speaker who can deliver a message that will enhance the attendees' experience when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway. They are also building the foundation for a couple of events during the coming year that would be both fund-raising and interactive, targeting a youth audience.
The Chapter continues to meet with the NPS and seek projects to assist in the maintenance and enjoyment of the BRP. Stay tuned!
The Asheville Chapter Holds its First Viewshed Planting!
The Asheville Chapter, working with Debbie Mowrey, FRIENDS Director of Programs & 
Development in the Asheville area, held their first viewshed planting in Asheville on April 5th at milepost 383.4 location site 1.
The Blue Ridge Parkway declared FRIENDS Viewshed Plantings as Junior Ranger Days in observance of National Park Week - proclaimed by the President for celebration and recognition of Your National Parks.
Asheville Chapter to Remove Invasive Species on the Parkway
The Asheville Chapter is considering serving as an umbrella organization for the invasive species project under the NPS for the Asheville corridor of the BRP. This project would involve eradication of invasive species which are suppressing desirable species. The major invasive species right now is bittersweet, but there also are numerous others. Several in the chapter have visited potential clearing sites with the people coordinating the overall program.
If you would like to contribute to this and other Save Parkway Views' projects CLICK HERE.
Donation Boxes
The Asheville chapter has been actively preparing for the installation of 10 to 12 donation boxes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the first donation box at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, plus these additional boxes, they hope to receive $20,000 annually to be used toward future projects.
Litter Control
The National Park Service asked FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway to help them with a litter control problem they're facing at four intersections of a commuter stretch of the Parkway. In addition, Asheville volunteers have agreed to adopt overlooks that are collecting trash faster than the Park Service can collect it. If you're interested in adopting an intersection or an overlook, please contact Gregory Brown at browngn@charter.net.
On May 29, 2007 thirteen volunteers came out to assist the Parkway staff with "taking out the trash". These volunteers heeded the call for help, and many have agreed to adopt overlooks and intersections on the commuter stretch of the Parkway that runs through Asheville. Periodic clean-up days will be scheduled with these groups, and FRIENDS is hoping more volunteers will join the Asheville-area chapter to help with this and many other projects. For more information about this project, click here to read about how Asheville residents can help "take out the trash".
If you're interested in coming out for a Steering Committee presentation on September 5 at the National Park Service Headquarters in Asheville, please call the FRIENDS office at 800-228-PARK (7275).
Greg Brown is looking for board members from Asheville to serve on the FRIENDS Board of Directors. He also wants to hire a full-time person to coordinate volunteer programs and take care of private fundraising.
Brown plans to hire and support youth volunteers in the park and wants to involve Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of America and the 4-H Club. Youth volunteers would assist with tree planting and interpretation for park visitors.
"I feel it will be mutually beneficial to the youth in western North Carolina and to the Parkway," Brown said. "The Parkway will benefit from their services, while youth will have an opportunity to provide service to the community and to learn special skills in natural and cultural history. It goes without saying that these youth are the future of the Parkway and our culture in general."
If you're interested in joining the Asheville Chapter or have more questions, please email:
Asheville Chapter.
