Blue Ridge Conservancy has received a grant from Bank of America.

The grant will help fund the Middle Fork Greenway, BRC’s premier recreation project connecting the towns of Blowing Rock to Boone with a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly trail. The Middle Fork Greenway will ultimately create expanded recreational opportunities while promoting physical activity and improving the health among residents and visitors. It will also support the local economy by connecting users with the many nearby attractions and local businesses. 

“The Middle Fork Greenway project is conserving the Middle Fork of the New River’s corridor with green space and protected wildlife habitat,” says Middle Fork Greenway Director, Wendy Patoprsty. “People will have the opportunity to connect to nature and enjoy the scenic beauty of the High Country. We appreciate Bank of America’s generous award and continued support of the community.”

When complete, the 6.5 mile Greenway will connect the sidewalks of downtown Blowing Rock to the Boone Greenway. It will also link the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, three pocket parks and other natural areas, and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s hospital. 

The Middle Fork Greenway is a Blue Ridge Conservancy project in partnership with Watauga County, the Town of Blowing Rock, the Town of Boone, and many community organizations and volunteers.

The $25,000 grant is part of Bank of America's philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing basic needs and workforce development for individuals and families, in particular during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Every part of our company is engaged in addressing the demands on critical natural resources,” said Bank of America State President of North Carolina Charles Bowman. “We’re grateful for Blue Ridge Conservancy’s efforts to conserve land, promote physical wellness, and support local businesses in one of the most beautiful areas of our state.”

About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.