In the past 14 “Nature with Alex” columns, I have touched on many subjects varying from run-ins with bears to useful plants with numerous topics in between. Through all of this, there is a subject that has not yet been mentioned, but can be helpful to aspiring woodsmen and woodswomen. It is the importance of finding a mentor.

I found my mentor when I was a young antsy 12-year-old. His name is Nathan Roark. Since the day that I met him, my life has only changed for the better. I knew that I wanted to try to make my life in the forest, but many people had told me that it couldn’t be done. Nathan showed me that it could be done.

He has been patient in dealing with my constant stream of questions for the past six years, without so much as a complaint. He taught me almost everything I know about the woods (everything from how to sharpen a knife to the difference between a sweep and a cross-bow draw, paddling strokes). He first introduced me to a career option that would allow me to work outside doing what I love. And most of all he has been the closest thing to a father that I have ever had. I am honored and proud to call Nathan Roark my mentor.

While Nathan has been one of the biggest influences in my life, there have been many others along the way. Some of them include Mark Kessler, Paul Landowne and Dan Horseman. Although they would never admit it, each one of them has taught me a plethora of lessons on how to live life to the fullest.

Mentors come in all shapes, sizes and occupations. They always seem to come into your life at a time when you are truly in need of a strong teacher and positive role model. It is impossible to describe how much these people have done for me throughout my life thus far. Those of you out there, who do currently– have mentors, will understand when I say the only way to fully comprehend what I am talking about is to find a mentor of your own.

Through these past two years and 15 columns (including this one) I have talked about many of the adventures and experiences I have had in the backcountry. Some have been good and some have been bad, but I have always lived to tell the tale. Hopefully y’all have learned from the multitude of mistakes I have made and later written about, so you won’t be put into some of the situations that I have encountered. And for those who don’t find themselves in the woods, I have tried to make this a column that everyone can benefit from. I hope all of you have benefited and enjoyed reading this column.

Don’t think that just because you are not a outdoor enthusiast that a mentor is not for you. I have not met anyone yet, including myself, who could not benefit from some wise words from a good teacher.