AOK BOD Spotlight of the Month: Joyce Wolf
How did you get started in AOK?
Ron and I were involved with Audubon even before AOK was formed. I was invited to attend a “boot camp” hosted by National Audubon Society, with the purpose of learning how to lobby on the Clean Air Act in 1985. But we joined Audubon in 1974 when we were still living in Minnesota. That chapter had simultaneous sessions for adults and kids, so we were able to join and participate while still having youngsters at home.
What is your background? Have you always lived in Kansas?
I grew up in one of Cincinnati’s suburbs and received my degree in bacteriology from UC there. At first, I worked for the US Public Health Service, which later became EPA. Later I was employed by the Procter & Gamble Company doing dental research in their labs.
What is your most memorable AOK experience?
Again, it was before AOK was formed from the Kansas Audubon Council and it was having the privilege of working with Jan Garton on ensuring that Cheyenne Bottoms received its proper allocation of water as a senior water-right holder. During that process, the two of us approached someone from KDWPT and requested that they plan for an education center at the Bottoms. At first, they thought we were kidding and didn’t take us seriously, but eventually the Cheyenne Bottoms Education Center was built and staffed and I believe it helps the Bottoms serve as one of Kansas’ greatest natural assets.
What is your greatest conservation concern?
That more kids do not have easy/frequent access to a nearby natural area led by knowledgeable leaders to show them the special things that are all around us. I would like to see a special license plate for non-game wildlife with the funds dedicated to providing field trips so that elementary age kids can have a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world that surrounds them each day.
What gets you excited about nature? What is your passion?
There is so much to see and learn about from the tiniest creatures to massive species like buffalo, lions, rhinos, etc. I really enjoy seeing nature programs on TV, reading books about areas that I’ve never had the chance to visit and even learning about bird species that visit our feeders throughout the year.
What is your favorite spot in Kansas?
That’s hard to choose – just about any place we go where there are birds to watch is always a great experience. We live in rural Douglas County and when I go outside, I so enjoy being greeted by the little chickadees who answer when I whistle back to them.
How did you connect with nature growing up?
My parents had a friend who had a farm in Southwest Ohio. He had a small dairy herd along with chickens, geese and turkeys, etc. but the best part was I was able to explore the creeks and pastures without adult supervision.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I feel good about the time I spent lobbying at the Kansas state house and the role I helped play to ensure that Cheyenne Bottoms received its proper allotment of water. I was one of the founding board members of the Kansas Land Trust. I’ve also been involved in organizing Kaw Valley Eagles Day, which if we would have been able to celebrate it in January of 2021, it would have been the 25th anniversary of the event that has enabled folks to enjoy our local population of Bald Eagles.