The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was one of the most popular of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs during the Great Depression. The CCC’s mission was to conserve the natural resources of the United States while providing relief to the poor and encouraging the recovery of the economy. Known as "Roosevelt's Tree Army," the program improved national and state parks, prevented erosion, controlled flooding, and assisted with natural disaster recovery. The CCC employed over 3 million young men who acquired work skills that led to lifelong careers.

Moderator: Bill Deitzer spent five years researching FDR's Tree Army, making numerous presentations and writing a book on the topic published by the Smoky Mountain Historical Society. He has hiked all 800 miles in the Smokies and has hiked in 51 National Parks.