Blue Ridge Parkway plans tree planting for March 28

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway Inc. is planning its view shed restoration tree planting for March 28. Individuals, groups, churches, scout troops, schools, environmental clubs and others are invited.

Call Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway at (540) 772-2992 or e-mail .

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway is an environmental nonprofit organization based in the Roanoke Valley with more than 8,500 members nationwide.

The National Park Service requested the organization’s help in restoring the view shed along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Friends sponsors a series of tree plantings and work on the approved Parkway landscape plans at a site determined by the Parkway staff, in cooperation with local communities.

The planting will take place on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the U.S. 220 entrance in Roanoke County. Parking is available at Clearbrook Elementary School for free shuttle service to the work area (no parking will be allowed on the Parkway).

Participants should plan to arrive from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. for the shuttle to the work area. The work is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.

The Virginia Department of Forestry is providing hundreds of native tree seedlings and planting materials. Holes will be pre-dug. Volunteers will receive training on how to plant trees for the best chance of survival (no experience necessary).

Volunteers are urged to bring work gloves, shovels, rubber mallets, buckets and a bag lunch.

The Blue Ridge Parkway requires all participants to complete a volunteer form. All volunteers under 18 must bring a signed parental consent form. Forms will be available on the day of the event or by calling (540) 772-2992 or by e-mail.