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February 5, 2001
Q&A:
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John Kirk
retired director of New JerseySchool of Conservation
When John Kirk used to stroll through Stokes State Forest at Montclair State's
New Jersey School of Conservation (SOC), he would always pause on the Rainbow
footbridge over Lake Wapallane, gaze at the Appalachian Trail less than three
miles away and thank God for letting him be there. The director of the SOC retired
last week after more than 37 years of service, which he described as a privilege.
"The only thing older than me up there are the mountains," Kirk joked. "The SOC and I grew up and grew old together. I hope what I've done has made an impact."
The School grew into the largest university-operated environmental center in the world under Kirk's guidance, but his accomplishments extend beyond the SOC's 240-acre campus. As senior adviser for Conservation and Religious Affairs for the United Nations Environment Programme, he and colleague Dr. Noel Brown initiated Environmental Sabbath Day, an annual event when religious leaders from denominations around the world alert their congregations to the importance of preserving the earth.
Kirk's passion for the SOC and healing the environment is surpassed only by the love he has for his family. His wife, Joann, a teacher who worked with Kirk at the SOC until her death four years ago, would say they had five childrenÑKerry, Paul, Debbie, John and the SOC.
Reflecting on nearly four decades of work at the SOC and speculating about his retirement was bittersweet for Kirk when he visited campus last week.
INSIGHT:
Describe the SOC when you arrived in 1963.
Kirk: It was a broken down CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] camp. Literally
starting from scratch, I called two colleagues from the University of Michigan
help get the School up and running. When I arrived, the SOC was part of the
state's Department of Higher Education and the School was self-supporting. The
program was associated with Montclair State and six other colleges but had no
substance because we weren't able to participate in a degree program, until
it became solely part of the University 29 years ago.
INSIGHT:
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Kirk: My work with the U.N. and the Environmental Sabbath. I've lectured around
the world on four continents and nine countries. I found it humbling that other
governments would call me to lecture. I've spoken to more than 40,000 studentsÑfrom
elementary school through doctoral candidatesÑand faculty. We work with 20 different
countries, and people from around the world visit the School. Also, that the
largest and oldest university center for conservation in the world costs taxpayers
10 cents a year. It's a great investment. Montclair State has always been understanding
and supportive in our efforts to heal the earthÑeven though our approaches are
somewhat offbeat.
INSIGHT:
Tell us about one of your proudest moments.
Kirk: During a meeting I attended in Dublin, Ireland, a speaker from Spain said,
"If you want to see the finest environmental education center in the world,
go to New Jersey." That was thrilling. When I got back I told my staff that
we need to work harder to be as good as these people say we are.
INSIGHT:
What do you think needs to improve in our children's curriculum?
Kirk: We do a poor job of preparing teachers in science. Materials that come
out of the Office of Education in Washington are not geared toward lower grade
levels. We can't use the material because the children don't know what the words
mean. The scientists who prepare the information are brilliant, but they don't
know a thing about curriculum. My wife helped bridge that gap.
INSIGHT: What are your retirement plans?
Kirk: I'm going to volunteer at the Department of Environmental Protection teaching
fly-casting and fly tying. I've also submitted an application to be a guide
at the United States Golf Association Museum in Far Hills, and I'll continue
my duties as vice chair of the State Commission for Environmental Education
and my service to the U.N.
INSIGHT: What message you would like to leave for the University?
Kirk: All life is sacred and nothing lives for no reason. The concept of interdependence
is universal. Someone once said, "To pick a flower is to disturb a star."