USFWS/NCTC Thoughts From Home: Your Conservation Podcast from the National Conservation Training Center

In this episode of Thoughts from Home, host Cecilia Melton sits down with Rob Chapman, Natural Resources Management Biologist at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), to discuss the annual deer hunt and its vital role in ecosystem management. Rob explains the ecological challenges posed by high deer populations in Jefferson County, West Virginia, and how controlled hunting helps mainta...

The National Fish Hatchery System was created by Congress on June 10th, 1872 to increase fish production and thus support commercial fisheries and feed families. Its goals and priorities changed over time and the system is now a global leader in conservation aquaculture, raising millions of fish and aquatic wildlife every year to support recreational fishing, tribal subsistence fisheries, and the...

Earlier this year selected employees from the US FWS Fire Program came to NCTC for a leadership training. We met Ryan Williams and had a conversation about the program, which specializes on prescribed fires and contributes to 50% of all DOI (Department of Interior) prescribed fire acres. These fires are essential to maintain healthy ecosystems, including ecosystems in urban areas. Firefighters and...

In the beginning of April we invited Dr. Tracy Leskey (Director/Research Leader from ARS/USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station) to give us an update on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. We learn where they came from and how they spread and became an invasive pest. We discuss whether they will affect trees in the forest and how researchers are using eDNA (environmental DNA) to learn more about the...

In this episode Randy Robinson and Jim Siegel present an update on the NCTC’s eagle nest and the tragedy that affected our beloved Bald Eagle pair (Bella and Scout). But not everything is bad news for the eagles, we also learn about how this species has been a huge conservation success story. Because every day is Earth Day at NCTC, Jim and Randy also discuss issues related to migratory songbirds a...

Part 2: The World of Electrofishing, Far-flung Adventures, and Studying the Hammer. After a legendary career as a fisheries biologist at the NCTC, Dr. Temple finally hung up his waders and traded his nets for retirement. However, he did not leave without making a lasting impact! Even in retirement, he continues to influence tomorrow's fisheries practitioners. With a career focused on teaching othe...

Part 1: From Crooked Creek to the Mekong River: A Meandering Journey of Growth as a Fisheries Biologist, Educator, and Electrofishing Doctor. After a legendary career as a fisheries biologist at the NCTC, Dr. Temple finally hung up his waders and traded his nets for retirement. However, he did not leave without making a lasting impact! Even in retirement, he continues to influence tomorrow's fishe...

NCTC has a variety of visitors from all over the world, visitors who have interesting stories to tell! In the "A Day in the Life of" series in the Thoughts From Home podcast, we will capture some of their stories. Maria Trevino is an Outdoor Recreation Planner and works with the River, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program which is a wing of the National Park Service. RTCA is a nation...

In February of 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Program hosted a “Multi-Sector Summit to Address Light Pollution and Bird Collisions” at the National Conservation Training Center. This Summit was the first of its kind: a symposium that brought together scientists, medical researchers, engineers, city planners, architects, lighting specialists, conservation groups, federal ag...

Nature based solutions (NBS) refer to approaches for addressing various societal and environmental challenges by utilizing and working with nature rather than against it. Recently, a workshop was convened at the NCTC to identify priorities for applying NBS. In this episode in the Thoughts From Home podcast, Jake Greenfield, NCTC Course Leader, talks with Lyric Buxton and Matthias Benko, FWS Mainte...

Join us on a captivating journey through the skies as we explore the fascinating world of migratory birds. Every year, millions of birds undertake incredible journeys, traveling thousands of miles across continents. However, these majestic creatures face numerous challenges along their migratory routes, including one of the most insidious threats: glass collisions. But there's hope on the horizon....

Did you know the NCTC hosts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Museum and Archives? Step into history with Mark Madison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Historian, as he talks with Cecilia Melton, NCTC Course Leader, about the unique items in the archives. With over a half million documents, films, artifacts and other interesting items, you can visualize the unique artifacts and hear how they can...

Have you ever been up close and personal with an endangered freshwater mussel? Matthew Patterson, Fish and Wildlife Biologist and NCTC Course Leader, gives Mike McAllister the inside scoop on endangered freshwater mussels. Listen to where mussels live, why they’re important, what their role is in the ecosystem, and why they are declining. You also will hear all about the brand new and incredible 3...

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, Jim Siegel, Ecology Curriculum Manager, and Randy Robinson, Education and Outreach Coordinator, discuss the successful recovery of the bald eagle and review the history of the NCTC eagle nest on its 20th anniversary. The NCTC eagles are a conservation success story right here on campus! Recorded on National American Eagle Day, h...

For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has protected America's imperiled plants and animals. Mark Madison, Historian for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, shares about the history of the Endangered Species Act during its 50th Anniversary year. All Americans can take pride in the fact that, under the ESA, the California condor, grizzly bear, Okaloosa darter, whooping crane, and black-footed fer...

Food donation and recycling are a big part of keeping NCTC sustainable. With the ability to have up to 275 guests onsite, a lot of food is prepared but sometimes not all is consumed. In this episode of the Sustainability series, Mike McAllister talks Tracy McCleaf about how our food is donated, who it goes to, and how it’s transferred. They also discuss our recycling efforts to help keep the envir...

When walking the trails at the NCTC, you are surrounded by beautiful trees. Have you thought about what kind of tree they are or how they fit in biodiversity? Or why the younger trees were planted in that spot? The NCTC Land Management team takes great thought into where new trees will be planted and why. Mike McAllister talks with Casey Johnson, an Ecologist at NCTC, about tree planting and gives...

Pollinator gardens can be a beautiful, natural addition to our landscapes! But do you know why they are so important? Using native species to create a robust habitat, we can give pollinators their three basic needs: food, water, and shelter. By doing so, we can help create a virtual highway that gives pollinators rest stops! In this episode of the Sustainability series, Mike McAllister talks with...

Prescribed burns. Most of us have heard the term or have seen the smoke floating above the NCTC in the spring. Have you ever wondered exactly what a prescribed burn is and why we conduct them? What are the benefits of prescribed burning? In this episode of the Sustainability at NCTC series, Casey Johnson answers our questions! Casey, who has over a decade of fire experience with the FWS and its pa...

NCTC is always looking for ways we can minimize our impact on the environment, and we ensure that we operate our campus in a sustainable fashion. We'll be sharing several podcasts on NCTC's sustainability practices and how you can incorporate these methods of sustainability into your life. In the second episode, Tracy McCleaf and Mike McAllister discuss composting and how it’s good for the planet,...

NCTC is always looking for ways we can minimize our impact on the environment, and we ensure that we operate our campus in a sustainable fashion. We'll be sharing several podcasts on NCTC's sustainability practices and how you can incorporate these methods of sustainability into your life. In the first episode, listen to a fun conversation about bird-friendly coffee with Mike McAllister and Tracy...

In Part 2 of the Scientific River Diving series, Dr. Jim Siegel talks with Ryan Hagerty, FWS Regional Diving Safety Officer, and Matthew Patterson, FWS Certified Diver, about their scientific river dives. As a FWS photographer and videographer, Ryan talks about his experiences capturing mesmerizing images in the depths of rivers and other dark places! Matthew talks about his experiences diving for...

When we think of scuba diving, our minds go to clear water and marine life. That is not always the case and in this two part podcast series, Dr. Jim Siegel talks with Ryan Hagerty, FWS Regional Diving Safety Officer, and Matthew Patterson, FWS Certified Diver, about their scientific river dives. As a FWS photographer and videographer, Ryan talks about his experiences capturing mesmerizing images i...

Ticks! They seem to be in abundance this year! Have you found one on you? Would you know what to do if it attached? In this episode of "Thoughts from Home," listeners hitch a ride with the Podcast team to talk about what ticks are, how they get on you, how to get them off you and the diseases they can carry. Learn interesting facts about this animal and hear tips on how to keep yourself safe from...

The NCTC is celebrating its 25th Anniversary! In this podcast, Steve Chase, NCTC Director, and Mark Madison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Historian, reflect on the past and speculate the future of NCTC’s next 25 years.