About me

Dr. Jon Turk is a scientist, author, and National Geographic award-winning explorer whose worldview was altered by extended visits with Moolynaut, a Siberian shaman.

I earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1971 and was nominated by National Geographic as one of the Top Ten Adventurers of the Year in 2012. Between these bookends, I co-authored the first college-level environmental science textbook in North America, followed by 35 additional texts, and five books about my adventures. At the same time, I kayaked around Cape Horn, across the North Pacific from Japan to Alaska, and around Ellesmere Island. I have also made numerous first ski descents and first rock climbing ascents around the globe.

My recent work focuses on honoring the power of Nature as a means of achieving Presence within the modern opulent, scientific, corporate, and uber-political 21st century. I rely heavily on the teachings of indigenous peoples who lived sustainably on this planet for millennia.

I am married to Nina Maclean and we live in a wondrous house/cabin in the Montana forest, and ride our mountain bikes. In winter, we live in a two-bedroom apartment in Fernie, B.C., amid great skiing. I have a son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. In order of age: Nathan Young is a team leader for software development, Reeva Saria is a veterinarian and Noey Turk is an organic farmer.

In all the glory and tragedy, the focus and the synchronicity, the serenity and the madness, my life has become a journey seeking sanity (Isn’t this what we all should be doing? Seeking sanity?) This journey is reflected in my relationship with my family, as well as writing and public speaking.

As I said on the home page, I am retired now. Just trying to slide into old age with some semblance of grace and equanimity. I live in the woods; ride my mountain bike a lot; and spend winters living in my van with Nina, playing in the desert.