We want to keep you connected to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the important work you make possible. To share updates on projects and programs and provide educational session about the national park unit, we launched the Foundation Insider’s Report webinar series.
Visit our event calendar for announcements about upcoming webinars, or subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive invitations. When you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you can receive notifications each time a new webinar recording or Parkway video is available.
Past Webinars
Botanical diversity on the Blue Ridge Parkway: In this talk, Dr. Chris Ulrey, plant ecologist for the Blue Ridge Parkway, delves into what makes the flora of the Parkway so diverse.
How to Enjoy Fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Photographer J. Scott Graham shares tips for enjoying fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway. He provides insights from his 33 years (and 33 autumns) exploring the scenic route in North Carolina and Virginia.
Black History and the National Park Service: Ajena Rogers, Supervisory Park Ranger at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, shares her first-hand perspective on how the National Park Service — through individual rangers and as a large national agency — tells the stories of African Americans.
Deep Roots, Many Voices: Diversity and Inclusion in American Roots Music (interview highlights): The Blue Ridge Music Center explored diversity and inclusion in American roots music with the Deep Roots, Many Voices project. This series of interviews with musicians delved into issues related to race, ethnicity, and gender orientation through their personal stories and experiences. This recording shares highlights from these interviews with musicians Rissi Palmer and Dom Flemons, Pura Fé and Charly Lowry, Sam Gleaves and Joe Troop, Earl White and Tray Wellington, and Joseph Kwon and AJ Lee.
Berth Cone's Legacy: Bertha Cone left an indelible mark on the North Carolina High Country and Cone estate. Although the beautiful country estate in Blowing Rock at milepost 294 on the Parkway is now named Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, the textile magnate’s wife, Bertha, oversaw the running of Flat Top Manor and 3,500 acres for nearly 40 years after her husband’s death in 1908.
Park Visitation Trends: During the pandemic there have been many reports about people turning to the outdoors for recreation and solace. Is visitation and park use really increasing? Will those trends continue? Are the demographics of visitors shifting? Check out this 30-minute presentation by Alexa Viets, Chief of Resource Management and Interpretation for the Blue Ridge Parkway, to explore the trends.
Your 2021 Successes: In 2021, there was so much to celebrate along the Blue Ridge Parkway thanks to donors and volunteers who showed their love and commitment to the national park. In this presentation, Kevin Brandt, Project Manager for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, highlights the projects made possible through this support.
Traditional Gathering Methods of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: In this presentation, Tribal Forest Resource Liaison Tommy Cabe shares insights on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ connections to the land and a goal to return to traditional plant gathering methods.
A Conversation with Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward talks with Superintendent Tracy Swartout about her 22 years with the National Park Service and her goals and vision for the future of the most visited national park unit.
Birds and Birding on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Curtis Smalling, Director of Conservation with Audubon North Carolina, shares what types of birds you can expect to find along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia.
Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway: Author Randy Johnson shares strategies for avoiding crowds on Parkway trails and getting the most out of your next hike.
Black History on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Places, Stories & New Research: Parkway historian Dr. Anne Mitchell Whisnant introduces locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway that hold stories of the park's evolving relationship with Black travelers.
Beyond the Blooms: Blue Ridge Parkway Interpretive Ranger Peter Hamel invites visitors to learn what is going on behind the beauty of spring's blooming season.
Wildlife Cameras on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Blue Ridge Parkway Biologist Tom Davis provides a behind-the-scenes look at how park staff use these motion-activated cameras to study wildlife.
Motorcycling the Blue Ridge Parkway: Learn the Code of the Road with author, comedian, and retired law enforcement officer Hawk Hagebak
A Virtual Tour of Flat Top Manor: Explore the historical home at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park with a 3D tour.
Your 2020 Parkway Successes: A roundup of the programs and projects made possible thanks to donors and volunteers.
What's Next at Flat Top Manor? A look at the renovations underway at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Online Photo Archive
Making a Difference Together on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Flat Top Manor & the Estate of Moses & Bertha Cone
Fly Fishing Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
Trails & Views Forever Program Overview
Keeping Kids Active Outdoors During COVID-19
The Bluffs Restaurant Reopening Project
To see all the webinars and additional videos, visit and subscribe to the Foundation’s YouTube channel.