OVERVIEW OF THE REUNION AT THE CRADLE

Respectfully Submitted by a tired Reunion attendee—Jeannette Hartog, President 2018, OldTimers (Reprinted with permission)

 

The Southern FS Retirees Association in conjunction with the USDA-FS Southern Region and USDA-FS Southern Research Station welcomed FS Retirees from all parts of our nation. The purpose of the reunion was not only for visiting, reconnecting and enjoying each other, but also to rediscover (or discover for some) the Birthplace of Forestry in the US.

There were stories and history of the Pinchot family shared by Bibi Gaston, the great-grandniece of Gifford Pinchot. She shared untold stories of brave souls who launched the American Conservation Movement. We also heard from Chase Pickering, a great-great-grandson of George Vanderbilt. As a fifth generation family owner of Biltmore, he shared his family’s mission to preserve Biltmore as a conservation effort. These two speakers set the stage for the week as we explored The Cradle of Forestry in America, the Birthplace of science-based forest management.

     We were offered two field trips: One to the Cradle of Forestry which included a visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and to the Cradle located on the Pisgah NF. We learned about Carl Schenck and saw his first American forestry school in Pisgah. This unique tour showcased the culture and music of the Southern Appalachian Mountain. We were served a luncheon of local taste treats followed by a local musician and story teller. Great stories, all in attendance won’t soon forget!

     The second field trip was Biltmore Behind the Gate Tour which took folks behind locked gates to explore conservation history connections with Gifford Pinchot and Carl Schenck who established the first American forestry school on the Biltmore property. This tour also included the Mansion, gardens, and highlighted a limited engagement of Chihuly Glasswork

We enjoyed a presentation by Lisa Tate, Executive Director of the National Museum of FS History. She shared recent happenings with the Museum which will include a premier virtual exhibit which is now available to view at www.forestservicemuseum.org

     The Reunion was also a fundraiser for the museum with new memberships. All proceeds, after expenses, from the Silent Auction and other monies left over after expenses will be donated to the museum.

     A highlight of the week was the banquet on Thursday evening that feature the Bailey Mountain Cloggers from Mars Hills College in the Mountains near Asheville. They even taught some brave folks to Clog—our group has talent!!

Friday morning saw a tired, but happy group sad to say “Goodbye” to those they had reconnected with during the week. The Southern FS Retirees Association closed out the Reunion by passing the baton and a $5,000 check to the 2021 Reunion Hostess, Nancy Gibson, of the Pacific Southwest Retirees. The 2021 Lake Tahoe Gathering will be held September 13-17, 2021, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV.

This was my first National Reunion, and it was great. My “congrats” to the Southern Retirees for their hospitality and an overall memorable experience!!