Because of You…
Johnson Farm is saved Page 1
“Tons of Fun” engages Kids with Nature Page 3
Appreciation Report 2013-2014 Page 4
March 2015
High Vistas Journal The Newsletter for Members of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway
You Did It! Johnson Farm Restorations In Full Swing For 2015
T
hanks to your generous gifts this past Holiday Season, the work on Johnson Farm that began last fall is paid for and more renovations are scheduled to begin this month! You showed your love for the Parkway and Johnson Farm by giving beyond our expectations. FRIENDS Board and staff cannot thank you enough for supporting this important work and saving a priceless Parkway treasure! On a sunny afternoon last October, two FRIENDS staff members visited Johnson
Farm and spoke to National Park Service staff and Parkway volunteers as they worked on restorations. Penny Bryarly is one of a dedicated crew of volunteers who helped prep the farmhouse for new siding and paint. Asked why the restoration is important to her, she said, “It would just break my heart to come up here and see the condition it was in. This is our heritage.” The siding on two sides of the farmhouse had deteriorated beyond repair and needed a complete
replacement. The roofs were in such bad shape that Park staff worried the house and outbuildings might not survive another winter and that the farm would have to close. Thanks to your donations, the house is newly clad in hardy Poplar siding. Poplar trees from the Parkway that were damaged or already fallen were put to use for the siding, milled Continued on page 2 >>
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway uses your donations wisely. See how on page 4