A little of his story...
Preston was born in 1957 and was raised in the once small town of Brevard, North Carolina. Pisgah National Forest was his early tromping ground, and he still frequents those familiar haunts. In 1975, he met the woman of his dreams, Kathleen DuPont McGuire and wasted no time in marrying her. While many people use the old adage “Behind every good man is a good woman,” Preston frequently is found saying “Beside every good man is a good woman,” and that she is. Together they raised 3 fine boys, and they are about to celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary.
Preston and Kathleen have lived in a small log cabin on the banks of the East Fork River, and on a research station located in the middle of virgin prairie in eastern North Dakota. They lived in a remodeled barn while Preston attended Atlantic Christian College and in a tipi (with 2 kids) while finishing up his degree in Art education at Appalachian State University. For the last 28 years, they have lived in an old church located near Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. They have 90 acres adjoing Turtle Island.
Preston met Eustace Conway in 1982 while they were finishing up their formal education and became steadfast friends. Eustace is the subject of Liz Gilberts book "The Last American Man". Together they have ridden horses across North and South Carolina and Preston and his middle son, Joseph, joined him on his world record setting buggy trip. They crossed Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska on the last leg of the journey. Preston helped Eustace with the creation of Turtle Island Preserve, the programs, and is currently on its Board of Directors.
Preston taught in the Wilkes County school system for 25 years and was elected “Teacher of the Year” twice by his peers. He has been an instructor at numerous primitive skills gatherings, and cultural events all over the United States. He has independently studied with the Native American people, becoming a singer and a contemporary traditional dancer. The core of Preston’s world has always revolved around the traditional Appalachian mountain people and he has had the honor of being taught by some of the best.
Currently, Preston lives in Wilkes County, grows a big organic garden, and keeps a few horses and chickens. He still works at Turtle Island, makes knives, hunts, fishes, and makes a little television.
Preston and Kathleen have lived in a small log cabin on the banks of the East Fork River, and on a research station located in the middle of virgin prairie in eastern North Dakota. They lived in a remodeled barn while Preston attended Atlantic Christian College and in a tipi (with 2 kids) while finishing up his degree in Art education at Appalachian State University. For the last 28 years, they have lived in an old church located near Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. They have 90 acres adjoing Turtle Island.
Preston met Eustace Conway in 1982 while they were finishing up their formal education and became steadfast friends. Eustace is the subject of Liz Gilberts book "The Last American Man". Together they have ridden horses across North and South Carolina and Preston and his middle son, Joseph, joined him on his world record setting buggy trip. They crossed Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska on the last leg of the journey. Preston helped Eustace with the creation of Turtle Island Preserve, the programs, and is currently on its Board of Directors.
Preston taught in the Wilkes County school system for 25 years and was elected “Teacher of the Year” twice by his peers. He has been an instructor at numerous primitive skills gatherings, and cultural events all over the United States. He has independently studied with the Native American people, becoming a singer and a contemporary traditional dancer. The core of Preston’s world has always revolved around the traditional Appalachian mountain people and he has had the honor of being taught by some of the best.
Currently, Preston lives in Wilkes County, grows a big organic garden, and keeps a few horses and chickens. He still works at Turtle Island, makes knives, hunts, fishes, and makes a little television.