What We Do
Provide Training
Our facility is the training and education arm of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Visit our TRAINING page.
Provide Accommodations and Facility Support
A training facility for conservation professionals that has a flexible and technologically advanced learning environment that is safe, healthy, comfortable, and accessible.
To Get Started
Use the Event Application and Meeting Information Sheet to get started.
For more information about hosting your next meeting at the NCTC, contact the NCTC Scheduling and Events Management (SEM) at 304-876-7220 or via email at nctc_semteam@fws.gov. The SEM staff will help you plan your event to ensure successful training, meetings, retreats, or conferences.
Lodging Reservation and Confirmation
NCTC is a Federal facility that is not open to the public. You must be enrolled in a training or have scheduled an event or meeting.
All lodging rooms are Smoke-Free! For additional information review the NCTC Smoking Policy.
Once officially notified you have been accepted for class enrollment, call NCTC Hotel Reservations at 877-706-6282 or 304-876-7900 to confirm your lodging room.
Per NCTC policy, when you are enrolled in a class to be held at NCTC lodging has been blocked for you. Check-in expected the evening before your class starts and check-out expected the last day of class.
Check-in/Check-out - 1:00 PM ET Check-in, 12:00 PM ET Check-out
If you are a commuter and will not require a room while attending NCTC training, please call NCTC Scheduling and Events Management (SEM) at 304-876-7220 or send an email to nctc_semteam@fws.gov to request the release of your room; remember to provide your full name and the class you plan to attend.
Rooms that have not been confirmed within six weeks will be released. If no rooms are available when you call, you will need to find a room at a local hotel (and your station will be responsible for costs) or you will have to cancel out of the class.
No pets are allowed on the NCTC grounds; only service animals and animals specifically designated for training and education purposes are authorized on NCTC grounds.
Management and Conservation
Facility Sustainability Fee
NCTC's sustainability fee is $25.00 per night. This fee covers costs for green improvements and state-of-the-art technology.
It is pre-paid for all FWS employees. For non-FWS guests, this fee will be billed along with room charges at the time of check-out. Non-FWS Federal employees should identify the Facility Sustainability Fee on a GSA travel voucher as a non-mileage, miscellaneous fee.
Please contact the NCTC Scheduling and Events Management (SEM) at 304-876-7220 for questions regarding rates and assessments.
Our Services
NCTC Guest Survey
It is our sincere pleasure to welcome you as our guest. We continuously strive to uphold our high standards of service and we value your comments. After your stay with us, please complete the NCTC Guest Survey to enable us to better serve your needs and those of our future guests.
Campus Services for onsite Participants
Facility Amenities
- Lodge Room
- Shuttle Service
- Luggage Storage
- Communal Kitchen in Lodges
- ATM
- Lounge/Living Room/Social Center
- Break Service
- USFWS Library
- Conservation History Museum and Archive
- Sundry/Gift Shop
- Gym
- Business Center
- Audio Visual Services Center (AVSC)
Meals and Lodging Package
NCTC’s meals and lodging are a package cost for NCTC guests based on the current GSA guidelines for Shepherdstown, WV area.
Rates include the NCTC meal plan which begins with dinner on the day of check-in and ends with lunch on the day of check-out. Current rates can be found at the GSA website.
EMPLOYEE/STUDENT | RATE | RATE BREAKDOWN |
|---|---|---|
| USFWS employees | no charge for lodging and meals when attending an NCTC course | |
| USFWS employees, volunteers, and contractors | per diem rate | $122/day for lodging $16/day for breakfast $19/day for lunch $28/day for dinner |
| Non-USFWS guests | $210/day - when attending an event | $122/day for lodging $16/day for breakfast $19/day for lunch $28/day for dinner $25/day for sustainability |
| USFWS employees staying off-site | pay for their off-site lodging and all meals using normal government travel procedures |
NCTC Meal Waiver Policy
This NCTC Meal Waiver Policy form is the updated method to request a meal waiver. Please review the policyprior to submission to ensure you meet the criteria, otherwise your request will be denied.
Meal Plans for On-site Partners and Children
Partners (spouses, etc.) and children staying onsite with a guest are required to share the same guest room and must select from one of two available meal plans. They may choose to pay a la carte at the dining facility cash register, or they can select a discounted pre-paid meal plan upon check-in. The pre-paid meal plan costs:
PARTNERS (SPOUSES, etc.) AND CHILDREN | RATE |
|---|---|
| Adults and teenagers | pay 75% of current per diem meal rates at time of stay |
| Children (age 2-12) | pay 50% of current per diem meal rates at time of stay |
| Infants (less than 2 years old) | are not charged |
Dining
Dining services are available on the second floor of the Headwaters Lodge. A wide variety of menu items are offered, including vegetarian and vegan diets; allergens for menu items are available in the servery during mealtimes. For special requests or restrictions (e.g., allergies), contact your meeting planner in advance of your arrival. Food and beverage services and hours may vary on weekends, based upon occupancy.
Meal Plans
Meal plans are part of the meals/lodging rate package. (Back to Top)
Early Childhood Education Center
NCTC has an on-siteearly childhood education center for children up to the kindergarten age. You will need to register at least 2 weeks in advance. Spaces are first come first serve. For additional information, contact the Children's Tree House Director Nickie Haynes via email nickie@childrenstreehouse.org or by calling at 304-876-7354.
The Front Desk, located in the Entry Auditorium, is staffed 24 hours a day when there are students on campus. You can reach the Front Desk by dialing 304-876-1600. (Back to Top)
Front Desk Reservations
Check Cashing: With proper ID, guests can cash checks up to $50 per day.
Convenience items: such as blankets, baby cribs, pillows (non-allergenic), sewing kits, flashlights, umbrellas, and foreign plug adapters are available.
Mail: If you are shipping items to NCTC, please use the following labeling format to ensure it is delivered to the correct location on campus; all guest packages will be available for pick up at the front desk.
Name
MS: Front Desk
National Conservation Training Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown WV 25443-4024
For priority shipments, please use overnight service to ensure delivery at the street address above. Any mail received after your departure will be returned to the sender. Outgoing mail leaves daily Monday through Friday. There is no mail service on weekends. Mail may be dropped off at the Front Desk or placed in the outgoing mail tray located in the kitchenette of each lodge.
Fax: Service is available 24 hours a day at the Front Desk. Front Desk fax: 304-876-7218.
Postage: Stamps are available at the Front Desk Reservations andcampus store.
Lost and found: Please contact the Front Desk Reservations if you have misplaced or found any item.
Facility Amenities
Lodge Room
All lodge rooms contain ideal guest amenities. For additional amenities contact the front desk.
Airport Shuttle Information
Shuttle service is available only from Dulles International Airport. The fee is $100.00 per person for round trip and is payable at the NCTC Front Desk upon checkout; there is no discount for a one-way trip.
There is no shuttle charge for children under 2 years of age.
If you want to use the shuttle you MUST make a reservation through the Hotel Reservations office at 304-876-7900. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the event that a federal holiday weekend either precedes or follows your class dates, special shuttle times may be in effect. Please contact the Hotel Reservations office to confirm shuttle dates/times.
Shuttle Schedule:
Sunday (or Monday Federal Holiday) Arrivals
- Depart Dulles: 1:00 PM ET - Arrive NCTC: 3:00 PM ET
- Depart Dulles: 4:00 PM ET - Arrive NCTC: 6:00 PM ET
- Depart Dulles: 7:00 PM ET - Arrive NCTC: 9:00 PM ET
Please ensure that you confirm shuttle availability and times with hotel reservations. Shuttle schedules are based on participation and occasionally may be canceled, additionally, special shuttles that do not align with this schedule may have been added based on program events and needs.
Friday Departure:
- Depart NCTC: 1:30 PM ET - Arrive Dulles: 3:30 PM ET
Directions to Shuttle Pickup Area at Dulles
From the main terminal, follow the signs to baggage pickup and proceed to the appropriate baggage carousel to claim your luggage. Once you have claimed your luggage, proceed to exit door 7, directly across from the luggage carousels 2 and 3. Proceed Up Stairs to the shuttle pickup location. (DO NOT GO DOWNSTAIRS AS THE DULLES SIGNAGE INDICATES). The bus is identified as 'Reston Limousine Service' along with an 'NCTC placard'. Picture ID is required to board the shuttle. The shuttle departs on time.
Return Shuttle to Dulles Airport
The night before your departure, you will receive your shuttle boarding instructions, which will include the time of departure and location. If you have any questions, please contact the Front Desk at 7403, or by dialing 0 from any phone on campus.
Luggage Storage
If you require luggage storage after you have checked out of your room and prior to your departure, contact the Front Desk at 304-876-1600 for assistance. (Back to Top)
Communal Kitchen in Lodges
Kitchenettes are located on the first floor of each lodge for your convenience, with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and ice machine. Kitchenettes are supplied with coffee packets, sugar, sweetener, and half-and-half. (Back to Top)
ATM
There is an ATM located near the Sundry/Gift Shop entrance. This is on the first floor of the Commons building. (Back to Top)
Lounge/Living Room/Social Center
The Lounge and Living Room are located in the Headwaters Lodge. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available. Only alcohol purchased at the NCTC Lounge is permitted in the Headwaters Lodge and adjacent patios.
- Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5:30PM - 11:00PM ET and on occupied weekends. Hours are subject to change during low-attendance periods. (Back to Top)
Break Service
Each instructional area has a nearby break station that serves coffee, tea, juice, and water as well as nutritional and full-flavored snacks. Guest favorites are the warm and fresh brownies and cookies. (Only for participants in class or meeting) (Back to Top)
USFWS Library
The Conservation Library is located onsite. It features resource and educational materials necessary for classes, and a variety of periodicals. Contact the Library at 304-876-7304 or the Front Desk, at 304-876-1600, for hours of operation and more information. (Back to Top)
USFWS Conservation History Museum and Archives
The Conservation Museum and Archive is located in the Entry Building. The facility also contains displays throughout the classrooms, lodges, and common areas. (Back to Top)
Sundry/Gift Shop
Sundry/Gift Shop is located on the first floor of the Headwaters Lodge and sells gifts, toiletries, basic medications, maps, books, cards and NCTC souvenirs. Store hours are based on weekly attendance.
Gym
The gym is a complete health and fitness facility with a full-size gymnasium and weight room.
Audio Visual Services Center (AVSC)
The Audio Visual (AV) support service on campus provides course instructors and event coordinators with real time support as needed.
Business Center
In the Turner and Lemon instructional buildings NCTC offers business centers that provide computers and printers.