Forest Service Celebrates All Generations in North Carolina

By Donna Burnett, Library Technician, Southern Research Station

Contestants on the Generation Panel take a break from the competition.

Forest Service employees from the Southern Research Station, National Forests of North Carolina, and Region 8 Forest Health Protection gathered May 12th at the Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Pisgah Forest, NC, for the 15th annual All Cultures Event (ACE).

Employees come together at ACE to celebrate and increase awareness of workforce diversity. This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations and Cultures,” recognized the different attributes and contributions each generation brings to our diverse workforce.

Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell kicked off the special event with an address to employees via live videoconference. The Chief was followed by enthusiastic keynote speaker Bill Treasurer, and then an engaging game of “Generation Trivia” comprised of Forest Service employees from four different generations as contestants. These events were broadcast by videoconference throughout Regions 8 and 9.

The day continued with live music, a presentation on prehistoric rock art, and cross-cut saw demonstrations. Individual competitions included dendrology challenge, geocaching, and typewriter/computer comparison. The audience cheered on their unit teams in friendly competitions of log roll and tug-of-war. The day concluded with awards and recognitions. Job Corps students and staff assisted during event activities. It was a fun day for all.