The celebration begins for the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway today with “Imagining the Blue Ridge Parkway for the 21st Century,” a symposium on Parkway-related research, at Appalachian State University’s Plemmons Student Union.

Part one of this conference, “History, Scenery, Conservation and Community,” will be held at Appalachian from today until April 24.

Running through high altitudes and great valleys, the Parkway has one of the most diverse ecosystems of the entire National Park System.

The symposium will have an academic focus on science, social sciences and humanities.

Throughout most of the Parkway’s history, research has focused “mainly on the building and design of the road,” Specht said.

“In recent years, research has turned to natural resources and cultural resources, such as Flat Top Manor (better known as the Cone estate),” Specht said.

Scholars from several disciplines, academic professionals, students, community members and local organizations will meet to discuss the past, present and future of the treasured Blue Ridge Parkway.

“Memories:  The Blue Ridge Parkway in Retrospect Juried Art Exhibit” in Galax, Virginia, and the 55th annual Dogwood Festival in Vinton, Virginia will also be held in celebration of the parkway.

In September of 2011, a celebration will take place at the original starting point of the Parkway that was designated in 1935 at Cumberland Knob.

“A kickoff event happened in Cherokee in November where the Great Smoky National Park handed off from their 75th to the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Specht describes.  “Next November, the Blue Ridge Parkway will hand off to Shenandoah who will celebrate their 75th in 2011.”

Part two of the symposium, “Sustaining Communities, Environments, and Economies,” will be hosted by Virginia Polytechnic and State University and held in Roanoke, Virginia.

For more information on the symposium or other events related to the Parkway’s 75th anniversary, visit blueridgeparkway.org.

Story: JESSICA BUSH, Intern News Reporter