FROM REP. SHULER'S OFFICE
U.S. Representative Heath Shuler today announced that the Blue Ridge Parkway has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the National Park Foundation for the addition of two TRACK trails, part of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s “Kids in Parks” initiative. The goal of the TRACK trail program is to encourage children and their families to explore the outdoors through a series of brochure-led, self-guided activities.

“This grant is great news for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the thousands of children and families in our region who visit TRACK trails every year,” said Rep. Shuler. “TRACK trails are a fun, free way for kids to get outside, get exercise, and be part of the tradition of the great outdoors in Western North Carolina. This grant will expand those opportunities and help teach children about the importance of preserving one of our most treasured resources for generations to come.”

According to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the “Kids in Parks” initiative is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Blue Ridge Parkway through building and supporting community connections to the people and the places that make the Blue Ridge Parkway and communities in and along the Parkway a special and important natural, cultural and economic resource. TRACK trails are superimposed on existing trail systems and include numerous adventures for visitors to experience, thereby maximizing the educational and recreational value of each trail. There are currently six TRACK trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway.