History
NETC was formed in 1991 by a group of citizens who were concerned about the deforestation of tropical rainforests and the resulting extinction of tropical plant species. In 1995 the Board identified Bennington, Vermont as a home base and future site of facilities designed to attract specialists and the general public. With the help of a Community Development Block Grant, they completed marketing and economic impact studies and adopted a business plan for careful, step-by-step growth. Cooperation with the Horticulture Program at the Southwest Vermont Career Development Center began in that year, and, for several years included a popular spring tropical plant show. In 1998 NETC established a laboratory greenhouse in Bennington. The office opened in 2001.

Today, NETC is expanding its presence in Vermont. In November 2003 we acquired a 96 acre parcel in Bennington Vermont with the help of a generous gift/purchase arrangement and a grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Named the Norman & Selma Greenberg Conservation Reserve, the land has been developed with   an entrance drive, parking area, trails and interpretive signs and activities. The meadow close to the highway will become the site of the Home Conservatory. The balance of the property will remain open with interpretive exhibits to connect the story of tropical forests displayed within the Conservatory to the native woods and fields of New England.

In February of 2009, NETC aquired the building directly across the street from the Reserve. This new Education Center will open in the spring and will be a center for the community to learn about plant biology, conservation and gardening. Classes, workshops, seminars and youth programs will be available. The Educaiton Center will be open during the week from 8am-4pm so visitors can come in and take brochures, fact sheets and books on topics ranging from sustainable gardening to Indonesian culture.