Voices Rise at Dickey Ridge: First Amendment Rallies Draw Bi-Partisan Crowd, More Events Planned for June

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as their backdrop, citizens from across Virginia—and even as far away as England—gathered the past two weekends at Shenandoah National Park’s Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to speak, sing, and share their stories supporting America’s public lands.

What began as a grassroots effort to protest budget cuts to the National Park Service has become a heartfelt, nonpartisan movement. Now, organizers have announced two more rallies will be held at the same location on June 7 and June 14 (Flag Day), from Noon to 3 p.m. Participants can enter the park for free by informing the ranger they are attending the First Amendment Rally.

“I’ve been amazed by the response,” said organizer Michele House of Star Tannery. “People have shown up not just to protest, but to connect—sharing stories of why national parks matter to them, from honeymoon memories to family relocations during the park’s early years.”

The gatherings, which drew a wide range of attendees, have emphasized their bipartisan nature. Some participants noted the rare feeling of unity at the events—something they said is often missing in public demonstrations. “We’re just trying to preserve something we love,” House said. Our national parks and that’s not partisan.”

Rallygoers took turns with a bullhorn to tell personal stories. One weekend featured live music from a local fiddler, while others included chants and songs led by participants.

Among the crowd were out-of-state supporters and two visitors from the United Kingdom, further underscoring the broad appeal of America’s national parks—and the concern over their future.

The rallies were sparked by growing frustration with shrinking budgets for the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. House and fellow volunteers warn that these funding cuts already have visible effects: shuttered visitor centers, fewer rangers, neglected trails, and scaled-back educational programs. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonpartisan watchdog group, has echoed those concerns and provided information materials for rally attendees.

“There’s so much more at stake than people realize,” House said. “This isn’t just about clean bathrooms and open trails—it’s about wildlife protection, fire prevention, and giving future generations the chance to learn and explore.”

As Congress begins work on the federal budget, advocates hope these local events will send a message to lawmakers: national parks matter to voters—and to the country. According to the NPCA, national parks are currently dealing with more than $22 billion in deferred maintenance needs, putting additional pressure on already strained operations.

Volunteers at the rallies provided information on how to contact elected representatives and encouraged attendees to share their stories beyond the event. In recent weeks, handouts and rally cards have been distributed across the Shenandoah region, helping to spread awareness and build momentum.

“Some of my friends took the article from the Royal Examiner and shared it in their communities,” House said. “That helped bring even more people out. We’re seeing what happens when people care and are given a space to be heard.”

The next rallies on June 7 and 14 promise more of the same: peaceful, inclusive gatherings open to anyone who values preserving America’s natural spaces.

“Whether you’re here for the hikes, the history, or the heritage, this is something worth standing up for,” House added. “We want our voices to carry beyond the ridgeline—straight to the people writing the budget.”

Citizens Rally to Defend National Parks: Grassroots Event Planned at Dickey Ridge