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

NCTC: Who We Are Apr 30, 2021

In this episode of Thoughts From Home, Mark Madison, our Fish and Wildlife Historian, talks with the NCTC Director, Steve Chase, about NCTC, who we are, what we do and other information you may not know.

Cicadas! Dr. Jim Siegel explains this natural phenomenon happening every 17 years. Jun 11, 2021

During the Great Eastern Brood of periodical cicadas Catherine Woodward, Fish and Wildlife Biologist and Jim Siegel, Ecology Curriculum Manager from the National Conservation Training Center talk about this natural phenomenon and wildlife spectacle of millions of cicadas emerging from the soil after seventeen years and answer many questions about these insects.

Off the Shelf - The Home Place Jul 28, 2021

Catherine Woodward, Fish and Wildlife Biologist in the USFWS Conservation Library introduces a series called Off the Shelf, where she hopes to inspire you and other readers to connect with conservation literature and nature writing, as she talks about books pulled from the library shelves. The Home Place: A Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by Dr. J. Drew Lanham is a powerful and motivating memoir and the main themes discussed are home, conservationists of color, and how we each play a role in conservation.

Spring Frogs and Toads at the NCTC Aug 19, 2021

Dr. Jim Siegel, US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and NCTC Ecology curriculum manager, reviews the calls of the most common frogs and toads that can be heard at the NCTC each spring. Hearing the intricate descriptions and sounds of the frogs and toads, you can envision being near the springtime ponds at the NCTC.

What is NYCALC? Sep 30, 2021

Ever wonder what the Native Youth Community Adaptation and Leadership Congress (NYCALC) is all about? In this podcast you'll learn about NYCALC and hear participants' reactions to the program.

Creepy Crawly and Misunderstood Wildlife - Part 1 Jan 27, 2022

Some creepy crawly and misunderstood wildlife, like spiders, bats, and raccoons offer a lot of benefits to our environment and we'd like to shed some positive light on those important ecoservices. In Part 1 of the Creepy Crawly and Misunderstood Wildlife podcast, the team talks about spiders, bats, and raccoons. Spiders are hardy builders, using their cable-like silk to create intricate webs to catch up to 14 times their own weight in insect prey. Bats are a unique species, flying mammals that navigate their environment via echolocation and most North American bats are entirely insectivorous, with some individual bats consuming up to 4,500 flying insects per night. Raccoons are important predators of wasps nests, but they also eat wild fruits, crayfish, and mice.

Creepy Crawly and Misunderstood Wildlife - Part 2 Jan 27, 2022

Some creepy crawly and misunderstood wildlife offer a lot of benefits to our environment. In Part 2 of the Creepy Crawly and Misunderstood Wildlife podcast, the team talks about skunks, opossums, and snakes and their important ecoservices. Skunks, opossums and snakes are some of the most efficient and effective natural pest controllers! Snakes keep prey populations in balance. The skunk's charm is in their adaptive and versatile diet, which includes insects, grubs, mice and more. Killing up to 5,000 ticks in a season, opossums are friends in eradicating ticks!

Celebrating 60 Years of Silent Spring! Apr 12, 2022

The USFWS Library is celebrating 60 years of Silent Spring! This April, we're reading Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the classic that launched the environmental movement for America's Wild Read. Conservation hero Rachel Carson (1907–1964) was a renowned author and one of the first female biologists to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She became one of the most celebrated and beloved science writers in America, but it is easy to forget how controversial Silent Spring was when it was released despite now being a classic of conservation literature.

NCTC's 25th Anniversary! Apr 25, 2022

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.

Ticks! Jul 26, 2022

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 ticks this summer season.

Scientific River Diving - Part 1 Aug 31, 2022

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 in the depths of rivers and other dark places! Matthew talks about his experiences diving for the coolest animal ever, freshwater mussels! Sit back, relax, and enjoy visualizing the depths of these waters through the experiences of our FWS divers!

Scientific River Diving - Part 2 Sep 27, 2022

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 the coolest animal ever, freshwater mussels! Sit back, relax, and enjoy visualizing the depths of these waters through the experiences of our FWS divers!

Sustainability at NCTC: Bird Friendly Coffee Nov 10, 2022

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 McCleaf. They discuss how it is naturally grown in dense rain forests, which protect many neotropical migrating birds. And you’ll hear how you can switch to bird-friendly coffee for your morning cup of joe to help preserve critical habitats for birds and wildlife, fight climate change, and protect biodiversity.

Sustainability at NCTC: Composting Nov 10, 2022

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, saves us money, reduces waste that goes to the landfill and provides a chemical-free solution for nourishing the plants we eat. Hear them discuss NCTC’s current practices and how you can compost, too!

Sustainability at NCTC: Prescribed Burns Feb 28, 2023

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 partners, tells us how prescribed burns require planning, when to schedule a burn, how the critters are protected, and so much more!

Sustainability at NCTC: Pollinator Gardens Apr 06, 2023

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 Casey Johnson, an Ecologist at NCTC, about the importance of pollinator gardens and how you can create one, even on your deck or patio!

Sustainability at NCTC: Tree Planting Apr 27, 2023

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 advice on planting your own native trees!

Sustainability at NCTC: Food Donation and Recycling May 15, 2023

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 environment clean and preserve our natural resources!

Celebrating 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: Its History Jun 06, 2023

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 ferret have all been brought back from the brink of extinction. It has helped to create a better understanding of how human activities can impact the environment and how we can work together to protect it. We can also celebrate that many other species no longer need ESA protection and have been removed from the list of endangered and threatened species, including the bald eagle—the very symbol of our nation's strength.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: The Recovery of the Bald Eagle and the History of the NCTC Eagle Nest Jun 20, 2023

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, hear the interesting details of how the bald eagle population has grown all over the United States and the challenges the species still faces today!

Celebrating 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: The Fascinating Freshwater Mussel Aug 24, 2023

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 3D mussel shell project. Matthew has partnered with the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to create 3D scans of all 300 species of freshwater mussel in the U.S. in an effort to help folks identify different species. You are sure to learn many fascinating things about the very unique and very cool freshwater mussels that live in the waters of the U.S. as well as why you should bring along a mask and snorkel the next time you head down to the river!

History and Archives with Mark Madison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Historian Feb 16, 2024

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 even be used as teaching tools!

Birds in Flight: Migration and Its Perils Feb 29, 2024

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. Through innovative strategies like dimming the lights during migration seasons, we are working to mitigate the risk posed by glass collisions. In our latest podcast episode, “Birds in Flight: Migration and Its Perils," NCTC Outreach Coordinator, Randy Robinson, talks with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists, Joelle Gehring and Jo Anna Lutmerding, about bird migration, the perils they face, and how you can do your part to help. You can find more information about bird collisions at https://ow.ly/vYNO50QIK45 and nighttime lighting at https://ow.ly/WWa450QIK57

Nature Based Solutions: Harnessing Nature for a Sustainable Future Apr 09, 2024

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 Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellows Program Climate Fellows about how NBS helps us meet our mission and how they became MIFP Climate Fellows.

A Conversation with Actress and Conservation Champion, Jane Alexander: How We Can All Protect Birds May 09, 2024

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 agencies, various industries, and social scientists to discuss the effects of lights at night on bird migration, dark skies, collisions, as well as human health and safety. The keynote speaker at the Summit was Jane Alexander, award winning actress, author, and conservation champion. Both a captivating storyteller and a birder, we couldn't wait to ask Jane about her love of birds and how she cultivates her passion for protecting birds alongside others. In this episode of the Thoughts From Home podcast, Brian Smith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Administrator/Assistant Regional Director, talks with her about her passion for birds. You can find more information about the Multi-Sector Summit at https://ow.ly/fvSk50RXUUS. For more information about bird collisions, go to https://ow.ly/vYNO50QIK45 and nighttime lighting at https://ow.ly/WWa450QIK57

A Day in the Life of… Maria Trevino Jun 20, 2024

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 national program subdivided into regions that extends the benefits of the NPS to communities, especially those that have been underrepresented or distressed in terms of outdoor recreation and conservation access. In this episode, listen to Cecilia Melton, NCTC Course Leader, talk with Maria about how she makes connections with communities, builds their trust, and her journey to her current position, stationed in her hometown of El Paso.

Dr. Alan Temple: My Unlikely but Delightful Career in Conservation Training and the Kingdom of Electrofishing Jul 17, 2024

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 fisheries practitioners. With a career focused on teaching others, Dr. Temple is still dedicated to training the next generation of biologists in the art and science of electrofishing. Sharing his expertise around the world, he is widely regarded as an innovator in this field. From his early days of deciding his future to his later role as a fish and wildlife technical expert, we capture his story here.

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