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

Latest Episodes:

Managing Deer Populations at NCTC. Sep 24, 2026

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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 maintain biodiversity and forest regeneration. Listeners will learn about the logistics of participating in the hunt, including orientation, regulations, and biological data collection. Rob also shares insights from his previous experience at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and recounts some memorable stories from past hunts. Whether you're a conservation enthusiast or a curious listener, this episode offers a fascinating look into wildlife management and the balance between nature and human stewardship.

Insights into the National Fish Hatchery System. Sep 24, 2026

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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 recovery and restoration of imperiled species. Besides National Hatcheries, the system includes Fish Technology and Fish Health Centers, and, to achieve their goals, the teams work closely with partners like State and Tribal organizations. In this episode Taylor Lipscomb, the National Hatchery Operations Coordinator, shares his passion for the National Fish Hatchery System.

Insights into the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Management Program. Sep 24, 2026

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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 support staff also contribute to fire suppression during fire season. We discussed the program, career paths and the support of collateral duty personnel, as well as the apprenticeship program that leads to a rewarding career as a USFWS firefighter.

Celebrating Earth Day 2025: Status of Bald Eagles and Migratory Songbirds’ Conservation Sep 24, 2026

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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 and what are some things you can do at home to help their stories become conservation success stories.

A Day in the Life of... Maria Trevino Sep 24, 2026

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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 to find out how she makes connections with communities, how she builds the communities trust, and her journey to be her in current position stationed in her home town, El Paso.

An update on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly May 22, 2025

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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 them. Finally, we talked about what listeners can do at home to help combat this pest, from traps to insecticides to reporting to extension offices.

Dr. Alan Temple: My Unlikely but Delightful Career in Conservation Training and the Kingdom of Electrofishing Jul 19, 2024

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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 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.

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

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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.

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

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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

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

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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.