The Recyclers
Posted by TVF on November 1, 2002
Q: My question isn't about fungi, but it's about naturalists! I want to be a naturalist when I get older, and I am getting prepared now. (I'm in 7th grade.) I wondered what you have to do, or when things you have to know to be a naturalist, and what topics naturalists focus on. Thank you very much!
A: Today's world is a world full of specialists but a naturalist is more of a "generalist". In other words, a naturalist knows something about many different subjects. So.....you'll want to know something about living organisms, ecology (how organisms interact in the natural world), and environmental issues. I'm not saying you can't specialize in some area of natural history (you might be especially interested in reptiles, for example) but a good naturalist doesn't focus on one area at the expense of all others.
If you have a broad background in the sciences, you'll be well on the road to being a naturalist.
I would also strongly urge you to spend time outdoors where you can see and learn about the natural world firsthand. Your own experiences will be invaluable as a naturalist.
John Wiessinger ( November 2, 2002)