My new job
I am now, a Naturalist. I've spent most of my life in the woods, I've been a farm kid, an outdoorsman, studied botany, herbalism, mycology, permaculture... etc, etc. Beyond that, I've had many jobs... politics, economics, journalism, to cook, caterer, even yard man. Every day, I go into the wild to study and, hopefully, to bring home some wild food. I have reached the "crossroads of life".... 12 days from my 43rd birthday.... it is time for a new path in terms of career. I believe that path is the culmination of having been a lonely kid roaming the woods. From now on, I am Judson Carroll... the Southern Appalachian Naturalist.... like Daniel Boone, Waightstill Avery, André Michaux and James Audubon. I will continue to study botany, forage, fish, hunt and trap every day, study herbalism and record the plants and animals I find in my daily wanderings... when possible I'll propagate the rare plants on my property. I've spent most of my life learning my bit of earth.... now, I will teach or record what I have learned. My goal is to write something like "Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests".... a catalogue of every natural resource in my region and how it may be used for food, fuel, fiber, medicine, etc... I think this would be incredibly worthwhile.
Comments
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And no, I do not mean "naturist"
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Congratulations on your new path @judsoncarroll4 Southern Appalachian Naturalist!
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That is FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to read your book when it’s done. I want to do similar research because I’m moving to South Carolina from California in a few months. I just started researching weeds in the area. I can’t wait. I’m sure you’ll make the best Daniel Boone ever!
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Ironically, I figured that I should edit a typo, "propagating rare pants" to plants... then I read this further statement. 😆 My husband questioned the same thing. Rofl Thanks for the laugh.
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Good for you @judsoncarroll4 with the wide knowledge base you have, I'm sure your book be an important addition, not only to people in your area but to all who are interested. Congratulations.
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If I ever figure out a way to grow clothes, you'll be the first to know!
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Thanks y'all I'm really excited about this project. Before the book is finished, I'll be chronically everything on a blog. I'll post the link here when it is underway. I also hope to offer guided plant walks, fishing excursions, hikes etc.
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What region of SC?
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@judsoncarroll4 very cool!!!
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That sounds great, Judson! I’ve appreciated the writings of John Muir and Gerald Durrell; maybe someday I’ll be reading yours!
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PS I think we have the same birthday. 😂
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Oh, that is cool! You look a lot younger than me though, so probably not the same birth year.
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Right. I’m turning 32.
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I would have thought 29 or 30, so you must be living a good, healthy lifestyle!
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Congratulations on your new job but can I request a side-vote for a new field of study since you are out there anyway?
I'm much like you in personality and temperment I believe from reading your posts. I could spend all day, every day outdoors roaming the fields and woods. Just one big problem though... I am HIGHLY allergic to poison ivy. I'm one of those who even downwind from a small patch up to miles away... I go home with it and within days my whole body is covered. That translates to I get it systemically. So a little touch, a little puff of wind to blow it my way and I have even had several doctors throw me out of their office since I am so covered with it. And for me to even go to a doctor's office is a miracle. Then to get thrown out... it wasn't one of my better days.
So a new field of study, a new book of treatments (which actually work by the way) would make me one very happy camper!
So if you are looking for something else to do with your spare time (I know, what's that?) I wouldn't mind at all becoming your #1 fan and president of your fan club once you publish your new book on "The Modes and Modality of Conquering Poison Ivy".
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That is a very interesting idea. I am also allergic to poison ivy, but poison oak gets me more often. I'll look into it.
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@judsoncarroll4 Thanks! I hope so! I’m definitely a fan of good food and outdoor activities.
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Ditto - I have three passions; food, the outdoors and playing music. Drop me a line if you are ever out my way, and I'll cook up something wild.
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Will do!
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That gave me an idea... just registered "Cook Something Wild" - thanks!
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I read an article one time about an experimenting with making clothing from kombucha scobys. I think they were growing them in extra wide containers so as to make more of a sheet. Doesn't sound terribly comfortable.
And congrats on your job!
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Yes.... I read that, too..... no, I don't think so! "What is that scent you are wearing, vinegar and funk?"
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@judsoncarroll4 -I have just now started into the wild -a nearby (large) park, it is wonderful, but I am not so consistent, yet; u inspire me...that archive page u gave us, this I really do love, and the audio!
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That is one heck of a book!
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@judsoncarroll4 jeez, I was just kidding with you but if you wish to take it seriously, heaven (and all us mere mortal souls) can't wait until it gets published. I'm a 12 month of the year candidate who often gets it. Spring, summer and fall is from outside, from petting or grooming the pets or when they love to jump into my lap and sit with me and then all during the winter it attacks me because of firewood. I heat my home about 75% of every day with wood.
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Keep us posted on your new thoughts and learning--especially the ones that inspire us to action and exploration as well.
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That is so wonderful. You are being with nature 100%. You'll probably live a very long life! Good luck to you, though I don't think you'll need it! Would love to hear more as your adventure progresses!
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@judsoncarroll4, sometimes we take a winding road to find our calling, however along the way, you get to pick up the resources and pieces that make that journey possible. Kudos to your choice. The Grow Network will be a constant source of encouragement and a knowledge base everyone on the forum. Good luck!
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@judsoncarroll4 @blevinandwomba Many plants are used for fiber to create clothing! See if you can find YouTube or other media related to extracting nettle fiber for making thread, then cloth. What a labor intensive process! Of course, there's cotton and linen and nowdays, fabric made from bamboo....
@judsoncarroll4 happy birthday and congratulations on your decision to switch gears and pursue a passion.
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Did y'all know you can make the finest fabric out of kudzu? Finer than silk!
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