Advertise on podcast: 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!