What We Do
The Friends of NCTC actively supports the mission of the National Conservation Training Center by supporting their community outreach programs and extending the reach of this world-class facility in advancing the conservation of fish, wildlife and their habitats through education.
In addition to the activities below, we also administer a scholarship program that provides funding for National Wildlife Refuge System volunteers and Friends group members nationwide to attend NCTC training courses.
Join the fun
Learn
Show you care
Get involved
Scholarship program
Join the Fun
Wine Tasting
Meet other friends at our wine tasting. Liven up the late-summer doldroms by joining us in our membership drive event featuring sustantainably harvested wines and organic cheeses.
Secret Treasures
Tour the secret treasures of the archives. Mark Madison, NCTC historian, has been kind enough to give Friends members a tour of the vast collection of wildlife and service memorabilia. Included are contraband items made from endangered species, Rachel Carson’s magnifiying glass, elaborate carvings and mounted birds and animals. The tour is given in midsummer—the climate-controlled archives are a great place to visit on a hot summer day.
Learn more about NCTC's museum and archives.
Learn
Community Lecture Series
Attend and support the NCTC Community Lecture Series. NCTC brings in leading conservationists to give monthly programs in their areas of expertise. Lecturers give talks and frequently show films on topics ranging from wildlife documentaries to programs on sustainable communities. Friends members may join speakers for dinner before the program; friends sell speakers’ books at most lectures. Books are provided by Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, WV. Volunteers are always needed.
The American Conservation Film Festival
Attend and support the American Conservation Film Festival. Friends of NCTC helps sponsor this exciting annual conservation film festival, one of the largest of its kind. This venue provides a rare opportunity for the public to view an international collection of some of the the most important conservation films of the day, with a special emphasis on films with Appalachian themes. Equally important, dedicated and talented conservation filmmakers are provided an audience to show their works, most of which will never make the local cineplex.
Become a Member
Become a Friends member and enjoy its many benefits while supporting the NCTC's important mission. When you join the Friends of the National Conservation Training Center you will receive a periodic newsletter with advance notices of lectures and notices about other ways you can assist the National Conservation Training Center in its valuable work.
Show You Care
Support the Fallen Comrades Memorial
Support the Fallen Comrades Memorial. Friends of NCTC administers a “brick fund” for paving the courtyard surrounding the fallen comrades wall. The wall is a memorial to FWS employees who have died in the line of duty. Bricks can be purchased for $100 and can carry your inscription. Read more about Fallen Comrades Memorial Inscriptions. 
Purchase a brick online$100.00 |
Get Involved
Plant Trees
NCTC is restoring the native tree population at their site. Friends have already planted more than a thousand seedlings. Come and see what a dibble is!
Participate in a Science Olympiad
Help local 6th graders learn about science in this annual fair by serving as a judge in your area of expertise.
Become a Docent
Friends of NCTC can receive training to give tours of the facility.
Become a Local Guide
Lead tours to local points of interest (Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry Shepherdstown, etc.) for out-of-town weekend/overnight guests to NCTC.