Naturalist, Artist & Writer

David Carroll has the eye of an artist, the mind of a scientist, the voice of a great storyteller, and the soul of a conservationist.

An illustrator, author, and naturalist for over forty years, he has made voluminous, detailed observations of the ecology of the deciduous hardwood forests and wetland habitats around New England, especially near his home in central New Hampshire. His understanding of the plants and animals that comprise these natural systems makes him a valuable resource for herpetologists, ecologists, and conservationists, providing a meticulous chronicle of life in areas threatened by human encroachment and imparting essential insights for those attempting to protect them. Freshwater turtles are the central focus of his studies, particularly the increasingly rare spotted and wood turtles. With an artist’s sensibility, David Carroll immerses himself in wetland environments, gaining a deep understanding of the lives of swamp-dwelling creatures and the threats to their survival. He has published four books on aspects of natural history and wildlife preservation, includingSwampwalker’s Journal (1999), detailing his expeditions and illustrated with precise sketches and maps, and Self-Portrait with Turtles (2004), a memoir that describes his lifelong fascination with swamps and the creatures that inhabit them. Through his artwork, writing, fieldwork, and speaking, Carroll helps people of all ages see the beauty, history, and value in swamps, marshes, bogs, kettle ponds, and rivers.

David Carroll received a B.F.A (1965) from Tufts University. He is the author and illustrator of Trout Reflections (1993) and The Year of the Turtle (1996), in addition to his more recent books. Carroll’s artwork has been exhibited at such institutions as the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Dartmouth College Museum and Galleries, and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut. He is also an active lecturer and consultant to conservation institutions throughout New England.

The above information is from the MacArthur Foundation website. David was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2006.

David Carroll, Naturalist, Book Illustrator & Writer

by David Carroll

Click on the links below for Lesson Plans, Project Ideas, and Additional Resources.

Mr. Carroll has kindly and generously made his unfinished children’s book TURTLE’S JOURNEY available as an educational resource for SPI students.

Click here for David Carroll Turtle’s Journey Book.

Following the Water / National Book Award Finalist

In this sensuous nature journal, MacArthur award winner David Carroll follows the inhabitants of his local New Hampshire wetlands through a season of turtle life from March thaw, when the turtles wake from hibernation, to November, when ice puts them back to sleep, along the way celebrating such personal “holy days” as “the Return of the Red-winged Blackbird.”

Swampwalker’s Journal / John Burroughs Medal for Nature Writing

Artist, writer, and environmentalist Carroll completes his “wet-sneaker trilogy” (The Year of the Turtle; Trout Reflections) with this intimate and impassioned exploration of wetlands throughout the northeastern U.S. By attempting to capture the “defining essence” of these places, their hydrology, structure, signature plant and animal species, Carroll hopes to inspire both a greater appreciation of wetlands and a desire to help protect them.

Year of the Turtle / Carroll, artist and naturalist, has produced an interesting account of the chelonian life of a New Hampshire swamp; he brings obvious pleasure in knowing these creatures to his writing. Precise drawings of the plant and animal life to be found along with the turtles embellish almost every page of the book.

Trout Reflections / Naturalist David Carroll leads readers through the yearly cycle of the trout and introduces them to the flora and fauna that inhabit its watery world.

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01. First Turtle

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02. Finding his Path

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03. Early Mentors

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04. Singleness of Purpose

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05. Environmental Concerns

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06. A Typical Day

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07. MacArthur Genius Award

David Carroll, Naturalist