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How a 75-year-old N.J. school that teaches science in the forest narrowly escaped closure

How a 75-Year-Old NJ School That Teaches Science in the Forest Narrowly Escaped Closure

In the heart of New Jersey's Stokes State Forest, nestled amid towering pines and winding trails, stands a unique educational institution that has been quietly shaping young minds for three-quarters of a century. The New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC), a 240-acre campus dedicated to hands-on environmental education, nearly faded into history due to financial woes and administrative decisions. But through a groundswell of community support, alumni advocacy, and timely legislative intervention, this "school in the woods" has been granted a new lease on life. As it celebrates its 75th anniversary, the story of its near-closure and dramatic rescue serves as a testament to the enduring value of experiential learning in an era dominated by screens and standardized tests.

Founded in 1949, the NJSOC emerged from the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program that employed young men during the Great Depression to build infrastructure and conserve natural resources. The site's historic buildings, including rustic cabins and a dining hall, were originally CCC barracks. Over the decades, the school evolved into a pioneering center for environmental science education, emphasizing immersion in nature rather than traditional classroom lectures. Students from kindergarten through college descend on the campus for programs that blend biology, ecology, geology, and sustainability with outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing, and field research.

At its core, the NJSOC's philosophy is simple yet profound: learning science by living it. Imagine middle schoolers wading into a stream to collect water samples, analyzing pH levels and macroinvertebrates to assess ecosystem health. Or high school students mapping forest trails while studying biodiversity, identifying native plants and invasive species. College undergraduates might spend a semester conducting research on local wildlife, contributing data to broader conservation efforts. The school's curriculum aligns with state educational standards but goes far beyond, fostering critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world. "It's not just about memorizing facts," one longtime instructor has said. "It's about experiencing the forest as a living laboratory."

For 75 years, the NJSOC operated under the auspices of Montclair State University, which took over management in the 1980s. This partnership allowed the school to serve thousands of students annually, including underserved urban youth from cities like Newark and Paterson, who often experience nature for the first time here. Alumni recount transformative moments: discovering a passion for ecology during a night hike, or learning teamwork while building erosion-control structures. The school's impact extends beyond education; it has trained generations of environmental professionals, from park rangers to scientists, and has contributed to regional conservation projects, such as monitoring the Delaware Water Gap's water quality.

However, the idyll was shattered in recent years by a perfect storm of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in 2020, forcing the cancellation of programs and slashing revenue from fees and grants. Montclair State University, facing its own budget deficits amid declining enrollment and state funding cuts, announced plans to sever ties with the NJSOC. University officials cited the school's remote location—about 60 miles northwest of Montclair's main campus—and its high operational costs, estimated at over $1 million annually, as unsustainable. In a stark letter to stakeholders, the university proposed closing the facility by the end of 2020, potentially repurposing the land or handing it back to the state.

The announcement sparked immediate outrage. Alumni, educators, environmentalists, and local residents mobilized in what became a passionate campaign to save the school. Petitions circulated online, amassing thousands of signatures. Social media buzzed with stories from former students, many of whom credited the NJSOC with igniting their careers in science and conservation. "This place changed my life," wrote one alum on a dedicated Facebook group. "Closing it would be like erasing a piece of New Jersey's soul." Public hearings drew crowds to Trenton, where speakers highlighted the school's role in addressing climate change education and promoting equity by exposing inner-city kids to the outdoors.

Key figures emerged as champions of the cause. State legislators, including Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Senator Steven Oroho, both representing districts near the forest, took up the mantle. They argued that the NJSOC was not just an educational asset but a cultural and economic one, drawing visitors to Sussex County and supporting local tourism. Environmental organizations like the New Jersey Audubon Society and the Sierra Club joined the fray, emphasizing the school's contributions to biodiversity research and public awareness of issues like habitat loss and pollution.

The turning point came in 2021 when Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation allocating emergency funding to keep the school afloat. The bill, passed with bipartisan support, provided $2.5 million in state aid to bridge the gap while a long-term solution was devised. This infusion allowed Montclair State to maintain operations temporarily, but the university remained adamant about ending its involvement. Negotiations dragged on, with proposals ranging from transferring management to another institution to creating a public-private partnership.

By 2023, a breakthrough occurred. After months of discussions involving state officials, university leaders, and advocacy groups, an agreement was reached to transition oversight to a new entity. Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation, a nonprofit formed by alumni and supporters, stepped in as the primary operator. Backed by state grants and private donations, the group committed to preserving the school's mission while modernizing its facilities. Montclair State agreed to a phased withdrawal, ensuring continuity for ongoing programs.

Today, the NJSOC is thriving once more, albeit with a leaner budget and a renewed focus on sustainability. Enrollment has rebounded, with summer camps and weekend workshops fully booked. Recent upgrades include solar panels on historic buildings and expanded online resources for virtual learning, blending the school's traditional ethos with modern technology. A 75th-anniversary gala in 2024 raised funds for scholarships, ensuring access for low-income students.

Yet, the rescue was narrow, and challenges persist. Funding remains precarious, reliant on annual appropriations and fundraising. Climate change poses direct threats, with increased flooding and invasive species affecting the forest ecosystem that serves as the school's classroom. Advocates continue to push for permanent state protection, perhaps designating the NJSOC as a standalone entity under the Department of Environmental Protection.

The saga of the NJSOC underscores broader issues in education and conservation. In a state as densely populated as New Jersey, where green spaces are precious, institutions like this provide vital links between people and the planet. Its survival is a victory for experiential education, proving that community action can preserve irreplaceable resources. As one rescued program participant put it, "The forest taught me science, but saving this school taught me resilience." With its future secured—for now—the NJSOC stands as a beacon, inviting new generations to learn amid the trees.

This story also highlights the fragility of specialized educational programs in an era of fiscal austerity. Many similar outdoor education centers across the U.S. have faced closure, from California's redwood camps to Maine's coastal labs, often due to similar budget pressures. In New Jersey, the NJSOC's plight drew parallels to other state assets, like historic sites and parks, that rely on public funding. The successful campaign offers a blueprint: mobilize stakeholders, leverage media, and engage policymakers with data on long-term benefits, such as improved STEM outcomes and mental health gains from nature exposure.

Looking ahead, the school's leaders envision expansion. Plans include new curricula on renewable energy and climate resilience, partnerships with urban schools for year-round programs, and research initiatives on local wildlife, like the endangered bog turtle. By adapting to contemporary needs while honoring its roots, the NJSOC aims to endure for another 75 years.

In the end, the near-closure of this forest school wasn't just about saving buildings or budgets—it was about safeguarding a way of learning that connects humans to the earth. As New Jersey grapples with environmental challenges, from rising seas to urban sprawl, places like the NJSOC remind us that education in nature isn't a luxury; it's essential. The trees, streams, and trails of Stokes State Forest will continue to teach, thanks to those who refused to let the lessons end. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.nj.com/education/2025/07/how-a-75-year-old-nj-school-that-teaches-science-in-the-forest-narrowly-escaped-closure.html ]