Eric Maynard

---

In 1977 Eric Maynard was backpacking and speculated that there must be a lighter way to pack. While working for the Jarrell Plantation, a Georgia State Historic Site, cold weather

moved everyone indoors and close to the old wood burning stove. Through his reading of the Fox Fire books he became aware of many more edible wild plants than his grandparents and father had taught him. Shortly after this he was mentored by Marie Mellinger a Botanist that had a large group following her every few weekends in Georgia. She also had been instrumental in creating sections of the Fox Fire book series. By the mid 1980’s Eric was teaching for the Georgia State Park system through a regional naturalist. Eric has taught scout troops, forest service people, private groups and has also taught when asked by other instructors with similar knowledge. During this time Eric excelled in Horticulture, Botany and Mycology classes. He received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at UGA. He was a member of the Georgia Botanical Society and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.

During the 2000’s Eric was teaching occasionally for things like the Gwinnett County school system. He has taught at Georgia Bushcraft as well. He enjoys outdoor activities which include but are not limited to hunting, hiking, herpetology, canoeing and kayaking. Eric and his wife of 46 years continue to hike and forage for wild edibles. Some of this has been done in the jungles of central America. He has a deep passion

for the flora and fauna of natural areas. Although cooking is not Eric’s forte, he is experienced in his ability to locate, identify and use wild edible plants. He enjoys sharing this knowledge with others.