Questions & Answers

NCTC Freqently Asked Questions

As your hosts, we want to ensure that you have the most productive and enjoyable time possible while you are staying with us. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions or need assistance, give us a call by dialing “0” from any phone on campus. We have staff at the desk 24 hours a day.

I have difficulty walking, and this is a walking campus. How can I move around the facility easily?

We have several motorized carts available for guests at the Front Desk. Simply dial “0” and let us know that you would like a cart, and we will deliver it to your door.

How do I control the heat in my room?

The lodges are centrally-controlled by our Maintenance Department’s computer system. The lodges are set to one temperature (for example, 70 degrees,) and then the guest may fine-tune the temperature by about four degrees, warmer or cooler. There are two sets of controls in your room. The thermostat is located by the bed. It is a sliding lever that may be behind a plastic flip-cover. Do not push the lever to the absolute top or bottom position; this will turn the system off in your room. There is also a fan speed control located by the closet where you can control the amount of air coming into your room. If this is set to the OFF position, your room will not receive any heating or cooling. If you are uncomfortable, please dial “0” for Guest Services, and we will contact Maintenance to raise or lower the temperature in your room.

Does my room have high-speed Internet?

Yes! We have high-speed Internet connections in every lodge room. There is a network cable at every desk already connected. If you need an adaptor to connect the network cable to your device, contact the Front Desk.

Are there any laundry facilities on campus?

Yes, in every lodge, on the ground floor, you will find a laundry room with washer, dryers, and complimentary laundry detergent. We do ask that you try to finish your laundry before 10 pm, in order to avoid disturbing other guests who may be sleeping.

My class doesnt end until after my check-out time. What do I do with my luggage?

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. 

Where are the closest vending machines?

They are located on the ground floor of each lodge. In the Turner and Lemon Buildings, they are located in an alcove in the center of the buildings on the first floor.

Where can I go if I need to use a computer, print documents, or send a fax?

with Internet connections, along the hallways in the Turner and Lemon Buildings. If you need to send a fax, or print documents, the Faculty Lounge, in room 106 the Turner Building has a laser printer attached to the computer. There is a fax machine in the room as well.

I’m checking out very early in the morning on the day I’m departing. Should I check out the night before?

No need! We provide express check-out for you the night before you depart. We will slip a receipt for your stay under your door late in the evening, as well as a sheet with shuttle information if you are using this service. To check out in the morning, simply take your receipt with you, sign the outer envelope, and leave the envelope and room key in the room. Please dial “0” to let us know when you leave.

Where can I see the NCTC bald eagles?

If you are facing the Entry Auditorium building, you will be able to see their nest in the large sycamore tree to your far left. Since they are nesting and are sensitive to disturbances in their environment, we request that visitors do not walk too near the eagles’ nest. If you would like a close-up view, we have a Web cam that is constantly keeping watch over the eagles, unobtrusively (it even has night vision.) Simply go to the following link in your browser: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/live/eaglecam/326707/ 

Can I receive phone calls directly to my room?

Yes, every room has its own direct-dial phone number. To give the number to someone off-campus, tell them to dial “304/876” and your 4 digit room number. For example, room 1600 would be 304/876 160

What if I need cash while I am at NCTC?

With proper ID, guests can cash checks up to $50 per day. Alternatively, there is an ATM machine in the Headwaters building outside of the gift shop.

 

I lost something at NCTC. Where do I go to see if it has been found?

Please contact the Front Desk Reservations if you have misplaced or found any item.

I need to mail an item. What do I need to know?

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. 

If you are shipping items from NCTC, 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. Postage stamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk and at the Gift Shop.
 

What time is the social lounge open?

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.