Karen grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern, Virginia. As a historical researcher, she believes in preservation of the past for the future. Choosing FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be a part of her Parkway books, with vintage postcards, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and her third book, Building the Blue Ridge Parkway was a great match. FRIENDS focus is on preservation, protection, and education. Karen believes that without education of the public that we cannot preserve beautiful natural assets like the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Karen is a lifetime member of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. They encourage environmental stewardship. It is a necessity for progressive business. In conjunction with my passions, FRIENDS encompasses stewardship by conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Generally I cater my talks to the requested subject of the crowd. I have spoken about the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Civilian Conservation Corps, history of Appalachian funerals and cemeteries, and the North Carolina Granite Quarry history.
My favorite quote: “The mountains are calling and I must go.” By John Muir
