National Conservation Training Center

From the NCTC to you, we wish everyone a happy Independence Day!​​

This Independence Day marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's not just a commemoration, it's a celebration of the land, wildlife, and people that make this nation what it is today. ​​

The story of America is written in landscapes, rivers, species, and communities. From restoring endangered species to recreational access to public lands, the Service has played a quiet but powerful role in America's story. This Fourth of July, we invite you to get outside, visit a refuge, or simply reflect on the wild places that are part of your own American story.​​

Photo: Female bald eagle on the NCTC nest with a rainbow in the background. Jenna Dorsey/USFWS